Bucatini With Tomato Sauce And Fresh Basil Recipes

BUCATINI WITH OLIVES, SUN-DRIED TOMATOES, AND BASIL

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat and add a generous amount of kosher salt. Stir in the bucatini, return the water to a boil, and cook the pasta, stirring occasionally to prevent the strands from sticking together, until it's al dente. (Since cooking times vary, for perfectly cooked pasta, refer to the package instructions for the recommended time and taste the pasta frequently while it cooks.)
• Put the tapenade in a large skillet.
• Drain the pasta and quickly add it, still dripping with water, to the skillet with the tapenade. Place the skillet over medium heat and cook the pasta, gently stirring to coat the pasta with the tapenade, until it's warmed through, about 1 minute.
• Turn off the heat, add the basil, parsley, and sun-dried tomatoes and toss to combine.
• Use tongs to lift the pasta out of the skillet and pile it onto four plates, dividing it evenly and twisting it into high mounds.
• Finish each serving with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Parmesan cheese shavings.

BUCATINI WITH ROASTED AND FRESH TOMATOES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In an 8-inch square baking dish, toss cherry tomatoes with 3 tablespoons oil; season with salt and pepper. Roast until bursting and charred in spots, 20 to 30 minutes. Meanwhile, on a rimmed baking sheet, toss bread with 2 tablespoons oil and Pecorino Romano; season with salt and pepper. Roast, tossing halfway through, until golden brown and crisp, about 12 minutes.
• Toss diced tomatoes, basil, and mint with remaining 2 tablespoons oil; season with salt and pepper. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta; cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup liquid; drain.
• Return pasta to pot; toss with roasted tomatoes, their oil, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. (Tomatoes should coat pasta but not create much of a sauce.) Season with salt and pepper. Divide among plates, then give each a dollop of ricotta, a spoonful of fresh-tomato mixture, and a sprinkle of croutons. Serve, garnished with a sprig or two of herbs, a generous drizzle of oil, and some cheese and pepper.