Cucciole with Tomato and Basil Sauce

Ingredients

• 250g (8.8 oz) cucciole pasta 250g (8.8 oz) cucciole pasta
• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable broth 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup (10g) fresh basil leaves, chopped 1/4 cup (10g) fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
• Carbohydrates: 45g (Sugars: 5g)
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the cucciole pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, until they start to soften.
4. 4.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Stir in the chopped basil leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Add the cooked cucciole pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta with the sauce.
7. 7.
   Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the pasta is heated through.
8. 8.
   Serve the Cucciole with Tomato and Basil Sauce hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Choose ripe and flavorful tomatoes for the best taste. If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can use canned diced tomatoes as a substitute.
• Basil — Use fresh basil leaves for a vibrant and aromatic flavor. If you don't have fresh basil, you can use dried basil, but reduce the quantity by half.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Enhance the flavor by adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the sauce while simmering.
• To make it a heartier meal, add sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the sauce.
• Experiment with different types of pasta shapes to give the dish a unique twist.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Serving advice

Serve the Cucciole with Tomato and Basil Sauce as a main course, accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty Italian bread. It also pairs well with a glass of red wine to complement the flavors.

Presentation advice

Garnish each plate with a sprig of fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an elegant touch. Serve the dish in shallow pasta bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the sauce.