Paccheri alla Vittorio

Ingredients

• 400g (14 oz) paccheri pasta 400g (14 oz) paccheri 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 (60ml) heavy cream 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• 1/4 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 58g, 6g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the paccheri 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 chopped onion, sauté until fragrant and translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they start to break down and release their juices.
4. 4.
   Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. 5.
   Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Add the cooked paccheri pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta with the sauce.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until the cheese melts and blends into the sauce.
8. 8.
   Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
9. 9.
   Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Paccheri pasta — Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it should remain al dente to maintain its texture and shape.
• Ripe tomatoes — Choose tomatoes that are firm and ripe for the best flavor. If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can use canned diced tomatoes as a substitute.
• Parmesan cheese — Opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a more intense and authentic taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• To make it a heartier meal, you can add cooked Italian sausage or sautéed mushrooms to the sauce.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the cooked tomatoes before adding the cream.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day. The flavors tend to meld together even more, making it even more delicious.

Serving advice

Serve Paccheri alla Vittorio hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Pair it with a side salad and crusty bread to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil over the dish just before serving. The vibrant red color of the sauce against the white pasta creates an appetizing visual appeal.