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    Pasta with Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce and Fried Caper Crumbs

    clock-icon60 minutes
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    Pixicook editorial team

    A delightful pasta dish featuring a rich burst cherry tomato sauce and crunchy fried caper crumbs.

    Ingredients for Pasta with Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce and Fried Caper Crumbs

    units in
    USchevron
    units in
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    serves
    6 peoplechevron
    serves
    6 peoplechevron

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Capers, rinsed and patted dry

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Anchovy Fillet, rinsed, patted dry, and minced

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Panko bread crumbs

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Table Salt

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Ground Black Pepper

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Flat Leaf Parsley, minced

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Lemon Zest, grated

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Garlic Clove, sliced thin

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Cherry Tomatoes

    0 lb

    Substitute chevron-down

    Sugar

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Red Pepper Flakes

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Short Pasta

    0 oz

    Substitute chevron-down

    Unsalted Butter, cut into 2 pieces and chilled

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Fresh Basil Leaves, torn if large

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    How to Make Pasta with Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce and Fried Caper Crumbs

    1. Prepare the topping

    Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the capers and 1 minced anchovy fillet to the skillet. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until the capers are crispy and the anchovy has dissolved into the oil. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the caper mixture to a paper towel–lined plate and set it aside.

    2. Toast the panko bread crumbs

    Leave the oil in the skillet and return it to medium heat. Add the panko bread crumbs, 1/8 teaspoon of table salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of ground black pepper to the skillet. Stir constantly for 4-5 minutes until the bread crumbs turn golden brown. Transfer the toasted panko to a medium bowl. Stir in the minced parsley, grated lemon zest, and the reserved caper mixture. Set this topping aside for later.

    3. Cook the garlic and anchovies

    In a large saucepan, heat 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and the remaining 2 minced anchovy fillets. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the anchovies break down and the garlic is lightly browned.

    4. Prepare the tomato sauce

    Add the cherry tomatoes, 1.5 teaspoons of table salt, 1/4 teaspoon of sugar, and the red pepper flakes to the saucepan. Stir to combine and then cover the pan. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook for about 10 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and release their juices, creating a rich sauce.

    5. Cook the pasta

    Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 12 ounces of short pasta and 1 tablespoon of table salt to the boiling water. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, stirring often. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Return the drained pasta to the pot.

    6. Combine pasta and sauce

    Off the heat, add the chilled butter and the tomato mixture to the pasta. Gently stir for about 15 seconds, allowing the butter to melt and blend with the sauce. If the sauce needs thinning, adjust the consistency by adding the reserved pasta cooking water, 2 tablespoons at a time. Stir in the fresh basil leaves and season with salt to taste.

    7. Serve

    Serve the pasta immediately, passing the fried caper crumbs separately so everyone can sprinkle them on their plates as desired.

    Variations

    Arrabbiata

    Add red pepper flakes to the sauté to introduce heat. Optionally include pancetta or bacon for added depth. Protein Swap

    Puttanesca

    Add anchovies, capers, and black olives to the tomato sauce. Omit the crispy caper crumbs and finish with fresh parsley. Ingredient Swap

    Fra Diavolo

    Infuse the oil with garlic and red pepper flakes, then add a splash of white wine and simmer with tomatoes. Incorporate seafood such as shrimp, mussels, or calamari. Flavor Swap

    Protein Punch

    Introduce grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans for a protein boost. Crispy pancetta or bacon bits could also add a savory depth to the dish.

    Amatriciana

    Render guanciale or pancetta in olive oil before adding onions and tomatoes. Finish with Pecorino Romano cheese instead of Parmesan. Ingredient Swap


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