Spicy Sun-dried Tomato Aioli Pasta

 

Aioli is a simple sauce made of primarily olive oil and garlic. Both of these add intense flavor that is fresh and light.  The addition of sundried tomatoes and hot pepper flakes give this classic recipe an extra boost of flavor that is amazing.

One of the great things about aioli pasta is that it can be made a little ahead of time and tastes great served at room temperature.  And it's so quick and easy it can be a delicious last minute addition to any meal.

Spicy Sun-dried Tomato Aioli Pasta

3 Tbsp Olive Oil
2 Tbsp Butter
3 Cloves Garlic Minced
6 Basil Leaves, Minced
10 Sliced Sundried Tomatoes, Juliened
2 Tsp Hot Pepper Flakes
1 Lb Linguine or Fettucini Pasta

While the water for the pasta is heating to a boil prepare the aioli sauce. Cook pasta until al dente according to the box instructions.  

Heat the butter and olive oil in a small pan over medium heat.  

Add the hot pepper flakes and allow to cook for about a minute to release the oils.  

Add garlic and saute for three minutes.   You want it softened and translucent.  Be careful not to let it brown.

Add the basil and sundried tomatoes.  Continue sauteing for 5 minutes.

You can add a little of the pasta water to the aioli for a little looser sauce, if desired.

When the pasta is ready drain and put into a serving bowl.  Toss to ensure all pasta is coated.

Serve immediately or at room temperature.  Garnish with fresh Parmesan cheese o fresh ground pepper, if desired.

Pasta with Pine Nuts and Fresh Tomato Sauce

I love pasta with tomato sauce.  This sauce is lovely!  It is light and fresh because it's barely cooked. The pine nuts sauteed with garlic add flavor and texture.  For the best results select fresh tomatoes that are meaty and contain few seeds. 

Mmmm, so good.

Pasta with Pine Nuts and Fresh Tomato Sauce

2 1/4 Pounds Unrefrigerated Ripe Tomatoes (Preferably Plum)
1/4 Cup Fresh Basil Leaves
1 Tablespoon Flat-Leaf Parsley
2 Tablespoons Fresh Garlic, Chopped
1/4 Cup  Plus 1 Tbsp Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Coarse Salt And Freshly Ground Pepper
1/2 Cup Pine Nuts
1 Pound Pasta
Grated Parmesan Cheese, For Garnish


Halve tomatoes and place in a blender or food processor.  Add basil, parsley, and 1 Tbsp garlic, and oil.  Pulse ingredients in a food processor to blend.  Add to skillet and allow to warm over medium heat while pasta is cooking.

Saute 1  Tbsp garlic in 1 Tbsp olive oil over medium-low heat until soft, not brown.  Add pine nuts and continue to saute' for about 5 minutes.  Set aside.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook until al dente. 

Drain pasta, and toss it in a serving bowl pine nuts and the sauce. 

Transfer to 6 shallow bowls, and drizzle with oil. Serve with cheese.

Note:  There is no need to cook or warm the sauce.  Try it raw for a fresher flavor.

Simple Marinara Sauce

Simple Marinara Sauce


1/2 Cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
1 Small Onion, Chopped
2 Cloves Garlic, Chopped
1 Stalk Celery, Chopped
1 Carrot, Chopped
2 (32-Ounce) Cans Crushed Tomatoes
1 16-Ounce Can Tomato Sauce
4 To 6 Basil Leaves
2 Dried Bay Leaves
Sea Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Unsalted Butter, If Needed

In a large soup pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and saute until soft and translucent.

Add celery and carrot and season with salt and pepper. I use Tony Chachere's Creole seasoning . . . I use it just about everything . . . I love that stuff!


Saute until all the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, basil, and bay leaves and reduce the heat to low. 

Cover the pot and simmer for 1 hour or until thick. Remove bay leaves and taste for seasoning. If sauce tastes too acidic, add unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, to balance out the flavor.

Allow sauce to cool enough so that you can stick a finger in it without burning yourself.

Pour half the tomato sauce into a food processor or blender. Process until smooth. Continue with remaining tomato sauce.

You can serve the sauce as it is or if you want to continue cooking with meat then return to pot with meatballs, sausage or whatever and cook until meat is done.

Serve hot with your favorite pasta.  Yum!

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