30 minutes
A delicious pasta dish featuring bucatini noodles coated with a fresh, homemade tomato sauce and grated Parmesan cheese.
to taste
Ripe Tomatoes, grated
0 lb
Bucatini Pasta
0 lb
0.25 fluid ounces
tablespoons
teaspoons
to taste
Parmesan Cheese, finely grated
cups
1. Boil Pasta
Fill a large pot with water, add a generous amount of kosher salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Add the bucatini pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining.
2. Grate Tomatoes
While the water is heating, grate the ripe tomatoes using a box grater over a bowl until only the skins are left. Discard the skins.
3. Make Sauce
In the same pot used for pasta, combine the grated tomato, ¼ cup of olive oil, and 2 tablespoons of butter. Add red pepper flakes, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Add ½ cup of the reserved pasta water and bring to a boil.
4. Combine Pasta with Sauce
Add the cooked bucatini to the sauce and stir for about 3 minutes. Mix in the ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated. Adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Serve
Divide the pasta into bowls, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese, and add a touch of black pepper.
Combine the drained bucatini directly into the simmering sauce and let it cook for a minute or two. This allows the pasta to absorb the flavors of the sauce and ensures every strand is coated evenly.
Use high-quality, ripe tomatoes like San Marzano, Roma, or heirloom varieties. The ripeness and quality will significantly impact the sauce's flavor, so don't compromise here. If tomatoes are not in season, high-quality canned San Marzano tomatoes can be a good substitute.
Bucatini should be cooked to al dente to provide a pleasing texture contrast to the luscious sauce. Remember, pasta will continue to cook slightly after being tossed with the sauce, so err on the side of firmer.
Fresh tomatoes can vary in acidity. Taste the sauce while cooking and adjust with a pinch of sugar if necessary to balance acidity. This step can be crucial for achieving a harmonious flavor.
Finish the dish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil to add a rich, fruity note. This also adds a lovely sheen and enhances the sauce's natural flavors.
Comments (0)