Imagine a dish that captures the heart of Italian simplicity, where every bite tells a story of sun-ripened tomatoes and generations of culinary tradition. Pasta alla Carrettiera, literally meaning "cart-driver's pasta," is a vibrant, no-fuss recipe that transforms humble ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece. This classic Italian dish promises to transport you to a warm Sicilian afternoon with its fresh, aromatic flavors and incredible ease of preparation. Get ready to fall in love with the most delightful pasta recipe that will revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 400g pasta
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The water should be as salty as the sea to properly season the pasta.
- While the water is heating, prepare the fresh tomatoes by washing and chopping them into small, roughly 1/2 inch pieces. Set aside.
- Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves. Use a sharp knife to create very fine, uniform pieces to ensure even flavor distribution.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and gently sauté until it becomes fragrant but not browned, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the chopped fresh tomatoes to the skillet with the garlic. Increase heat to medium and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and release their juices.
- Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to the tomato sauce, stirring to combine and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Transfer the hot pasta directly into the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss vigorously to ensure each pasta strand is well coated.
- If the sauce seems too dry, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water to create a silky texture.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped.
- Serve immediately in warm plates, enjoying the rustic and fresh flavors of this traditional Italian dish.
Tips
- Use the freshest tomatoes possible - ripe, in-season tomatoes make a world of difference in this simple recipe.
- Don't rush the garlic sautéing process. Low and slow ensures fragrant, not burnt garlic.
- Salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like seawater to properly season the pasta.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid is a secret weapon for creating a silky sauce.
- Toss the pasta in the sauce immediately after cooking to help it absorb the flavors.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the most authentic taste.
- Tear the basil leaves instead of chopping to release more aromatic oils.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 487kcal
Carbohydrates: 74g
Protein: g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
