Garlic Fried Tomato Orecchiette With Arugula

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of moderately salted water to a boil.

2. 2

   In a large saute pan on medium-high heat, add the olive oil and let heat until it's shimmering in the pan. Add the sliced garlic and fry until the pieces begin to cook through and shrivel around the edges. Just before they are about to brown, act quick, and add sliced cherry tomatoes to the pan. - You want to hear the greatest sizzling sound of your life. Next, give mixture a toss, ensuring the hot garlic oil is adhering to and frying tomatoes. Next, add crushed red pepper flakes (optional) and let simmer on low for about 4-6 minutes.

3. 3

   In the meantime, once pot of salted water is at a full rolling boil, drop in the orecchiette pasta and cook for about 7-8 minutes until al dente. Remove pasta from water and drop into pan of tomatoes and garlic. On low to medium heat, toss until pasta has been evenly coated. Add pasta water to mixture, this will help the sauce emulsify and loosen up while adhering to the pasta. Next, add 1/2 cup of parmigiano-reggiano cheese and stir. Sauce should be truly emulsified with cheese addition. Take saute pan off heat, and gently fold in 1/2 bunch of arugula, it should just slightly melt and wilt against pasta. Add lemon zest and stir. Taste for seasonings, adjusting salt, pepper, and zest. Portion out pasta on plates, ensuring equal parts tomato and orecchiette.

4. 4

   Garnish each dish with the remaining arugula and cheese, fresh basil leaves, add a splash of lemon juice over greens if desired, and finish with a light drizzle of olive oil.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.