Welcome to the culinary world of America’s Test Kitchen, where every recipe is meticulously crafted to perfection. Today, we’ll be diving into a delightful and vibrant dish – Pasta with Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce. This recipe promises a burst of flavors, combining the sweetness of cherry tomatoes with the richness of a savory sauce. Let’s embark on this culinary journey step by step.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound cherry tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 12 ounces pasta of your choice (spaghetti or penne work well)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions:
Table of Contents
ToggleStep 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will give the cherry tomatoes that irresistible burst of flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomatoes
Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes, then place them on a baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, make a small slit in each tomato. This will allow the tomatoes to burst open during roasting, releasing their juices.
Step 3: Roast the Tomatoes
Drizzle the cherry tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the tomatoes are blistered and bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Once the tomatoes are done roasting, add them to the skillet. Using a spoon, gently mash the tomatoes to release their juices, creating a rustic sauce.
Step 5: Season and Finish
Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss in torn fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness. Let the sauce simmer on low heat while you cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the burst cherry tomato sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the flavorful sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Divide the pasta among plates, and finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. The burst cherry tomato sauce paired with perfectly cooked pasta creates a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds singing.
Conclusion: America’s Test Kitchen has once again delivered a winning recipe with this Pasta with Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce. The simplicity of ingredients combined with precise techniques results in a dish that’s not only delicious but also showcases the beauty of seasonal produce. Give this recipe a try, and savor the burst of flavors in every bite!