Orecchiette with a Quick Marinara

We’re skipping town for a few days this week.

I need to nibble on my baby niece. I need to hug my sick Memaw. I need to wish my brother-in-law a farewell as he moves across the world to study abroad, or whatever the cool college kids do these days.

No, I’m not jealous at all, MATT.

So in preparation, I’m purging the pantry and fridge in hopes to clear out as much as possible before we scoot to the loot.

Oh wow you guys, I just looked up “scoot to the loot” in the urban dictionary. We’re, uh totally not doing that. We’re just scooting out of town. To see family. Why won’t I just backspace all this?

Anyway, pasta seems to be the driving force behind all the important decisions in my life, and last night it led me here. The sauce is SIMPLE, with a little heat from the crushed pepper, a little depth from the smoked paprika, a little sweet hint from the honey. It’s the perfect “pantry purge” meal. But if you’re not purging, and you simply want a big bowl of pasta all up in your mouth, let me just warn you: there will be an unhinged jaw or two at your table.

Orecchiette with a Simple Marinara:

 

What it took for 2:

* 1/2 pound orecchiette
* 1 (28 oz) can roma tomatoes
* 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
* 3 garlic cloves, minced
* 1 pinch crushed red pepper
* 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
* 1 tsp smoked paprika
* 2 Tbs. honey
* 1/4 cup fresh parmesan, grated
* coarse salt
* freshly ground pepper
* breadcrumbs, toasted

In a medium sauce pan, heat the oil over medium-high. Add the garlic and crushed red pepper. Bloom for 30 seconds. Add most of the basil and bloom 15 more seconds.

Whizz the tomatoes in a food processor until smooth. Add to the pot, sprinkle with paprika, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Right at the end, add the honey.

Cook the pasta until it reaches al dente. Drain and add to sauce. Grate the parmesan into the pan and stir to combine. Taste it and season accordingly.

Serve pasta with fresh basil and toasted breadcrumbs.

Welcome to happiness.

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23 Responses to Orecchiette with a Quick Marinara

  1. Katie August 29, 2011 at 4:28 pm #
    I love a good pantry purge. Unfortunately, mine never look as tasty as this does. Have a good trip! Hugs to your niece (enjoy her chubby cheeks, they're the tastiest things around), your Memaw. and your Brother-in-law.
  2. carly {carlyklock} August 29, 2011 at 4:29 pm #
    such purrrrrrty basil. will be sad when that time is over. i need a greenhouse. NEED. okay, just really want. i love orichette! mostly just writing it. orichette, orichette, orichette.
  3. carly {carlyklock} August 29, 2011 at 4:30 pm #
    p.s. soak up every minute with A-man and save it in your bank. steal his phone if you have to - just don't tell him i told you to do it! :)
  4. Courtney August 29, 2011 at 4:42 pm #
    Yumm! Have a wonderful trip!
  5. Alan Cooke August 29, 2011 at 5:27 pm #
    I could eat that all day long. Especially if I had some 'purged' sauteed shrimp to throw on top!...lol Awesome pics, too :)
  6. Marla August 29, 2011 at 5:38 pm #
    This pasta looks like a total carb-fest-a-licious deal!! Want it all right now. How a blast with your travels :) xxoo
  7. Julia August 29, 2011 at 5:48 pm #
    Ugh, now there's just drool all over my keyboard. I am so making this soon.
  8. Kiran @ KiranTarun.com August 29, 2011 at 8:03 pm #
    Those photos are so drool-worthy!! Have a safe and wonderful travels Bev :)
  9. Alison @ ingredients, Inc. August 29, 2011 at 8:28 pm #
    looks fabulous! Love the smoked paprika in honey in this!
  10. jenjenk August 29, 2011 at 8:47 pm #
    I just love that I've got all those ingredients so I don't have to haul my lazy self to the grocery store! perfect recipe, as far as i'm concerned!
  11. Rebecca ~ Sweet Baby Yams August 29, 2011 at 9:11 pm #
    I love the ability you have of creating simple dishes and making them look like something you would order from a restaurant. This looks delicious!
  12. caroline lerro August 29, 2011 at 9:18 pm #
    seriously this is amazing....you are accomplishing the italian "make it work" that i hope to do in my kitchen (oh by the way my kitchen is in italy) but seem to not to be able to....ahhhh TGFBC...thank goodness for Bev Cooks...for inspiration for tomorrow's dinner!!
  13. Naomi August 30, 2011 at 12:56 am #
    This looks heavenly!!
  14. Cassie (Bake Your Day) August 30, 2011 at 1:49 am #
    B-e-a-utiful Bev! You are such a food stylist too! Hope you have a perfect trip!
  15. Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga August 30, 2011 at 7:57 am #
    your photography is magazine worthy! quit blogging, get thy work into magazines!!!!!! seriously bev. AMAZING! you should be shooting cookbooks or whatever. it's just...drop dead.
    • Bev Weidner August 30, 2011 at 12:10 pm #
      Awwww, Averie, thank you so much! You make me blush. ;)
    • Sarah Park December 3, 2011 at 12:14 pm #
      I agree! Your photos are amazing!!!! 2nd to last photo!! LOVE HOW YOU CAN SEE THE DETAILS IN THE BASIL LEAVES?? (not too sure... I'm right where you were 7 years ago... still eating out of a cereal box haha)
  16. Nichola August 30, 2011 at 12:00 pm #
    I love the photos in this one Bev! Especially the first one!
  17. Aimee @ ShugarySweets August 30, 2011 at 12:19 pm #
    This looks fantastic. I'm going to run to my pantry to see if I have any thing at all to make this. Surely I must! Okay, not running, just walking! Great photos too!
  18. The Purple Carrot August 30, 2011 at 12:49 pm #
    Uhm, yeah. This looks delicious!! Hope you have a great time away with your family :)
  19. Lauren August 30, 2011 at 10:30 pm #
    I love easy recipes like this one! And orecchiette is one of my favorite pasta shapes!
  20. Sommer@ASpicyPerspective September 1, 2011 at 2:59 pm #
    Wow that looks so comforting! L.O.V.E.
  21. myFudo September 14, 2011 at 5:01 pm #
    Marvelous, just marvelous.

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