Skillet Summer Pasta with Burst Tomatoes
Skillet pasta: whip up this delightful summer dish with burst cherry tomatoes and zesty lemony breadcrumbs. Quick to prepare, perfect for any night.
Ingredients
- 1 cup finely torn ciabatta bread
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- crushed red pepper flakes
- zest of 1 lemon
- 1 pound bucatini pasta, or other long cut pasta
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
- 1/3 cup white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
- 1/2 cup grated Manchego cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 4 ounces burrata cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet set over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil. When the oil shimmers, add the bread and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally until golden and toasted all over, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon zest. Slide bread crumbs onto a plate. Wipe the skillet clean.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Just before draining, remove 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain.
- Meanwhile, place the same skillet used for the bread over high heat and add the remaining olive oil. When the oil shimmers, add the tomatoes, garlic, thyme, and oregano, and a pinch each of salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the tomatoes begin to pop, about 4-5 minutes. Pour in the wine, cook 1 minute.
- Add the pasta and a splash of the pasta cooking water to the skillet, tossing to combine. Remove from the heat and add the Manchego cheese and basil, toss to combine. If needed, thin the pasta sauce with a little of the reserved cooking water.
- Divide the pasta among bowls and top with burrata and bread crumbs. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Don't overcrowd the skillet with tomatoes; give them space to burst and caramelize for maximum flavor. Use a wide skillet for best results.
- Reserve plenty of pasta water! Its starch helps emulsify the sauce, creating a silky texture that coats the pasta beautifully.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a touch of good quality butter at the very end when tossing with cheese and basil. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.
- Reserve plenty of pasta water! Its starch helps emulsify the sauce, creating a silky texture that coats the pasta beautifully.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a touch of good quality butter at the very end when tossing with cheese and basil. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.