Muccunetti with Tomato and Basil Sauce

Ingredients

• 250g (8.8 oz) Muccunetti pasta 250g (8.8 oz) Muccunetti pasta
• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 60g, 6g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the Muccunetti pasta according to the 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 chopped onion, and sauté until they become translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, until they start to soften.
4. 4.
   Stir in the chopped basil leaves, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. 5.
   Add the cooked Muccunetti pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta with the sauce.
6. 6.
   Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Serve the Muccunetti with Tomato and Basil Sauce hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Choose ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can use canned diced tomatoes as a substitute.
• Basil — Use fresh basil leaves for the most vibrant and aromatic taste. 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.
• To enhance the flavor, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the finished dish before serving.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the cooked tomatoes before adding them to the skillet.

Serving advice

Serve the Muccunetti 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.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprig of fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an appealing presentation. Serve it in shallow pasta bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the sauce.