Tomato, Basil, Garlic, and Meat Sauce with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
Description
This delightful recipe for Tomato, Basil, Garlic, and Meat Sauce with Angel Hair Pasta has been lovingly developed through experimentation, emerging as a cherished family favorite, especially when the craving for a hearty pasta dish strikes, yet one desires a lighter touch. This dish strikes a beautiful balance between robust flavors and a light, satisfying texture, making it an ideal choice for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or even special occasions.
Recipe Category
- Pork
Keywords
- Meat
- European
- Pasta
- < 4 Hours
Cook Time
- 45 minutes
Prep Time
- 20 minutes
Total Time
- 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings
- Approximately 4-6 servings
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 635.7 kcal |
| Total Fat | 13.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 23.7 mg |
| Sodium | 520.1 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 100.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7 g |
| Sugars | 10.2 g |
| Protein | 25.2 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Tomatoes (vine-ripened) |
| 1 | Red onion |
| 2 | Garlic cloves |
| 4 – 5 | Fresh basil leaves |
| 1 | Fresh oregano |
| 1/4 | Prosciutto (sliced) |
| 2 – 3 | Sweet Italian sausage links |
| 1/4 | White wine |
| 1/2 | Parmesan cheese (freshly grated) |
| 1 | Angel hair pasta |
Instructions
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Prepare the Tomatoes: Begin by boiling a large pot of water and preparing a bowl of ice water. This dual setup will allow for an efficient blanching process, which is essential for easy peeling.
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Score the Tomatoes: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut an ‘X’ in the bottom of each vine-ripened tomato. This incision will help the skin separate during the blanching process, making them easier to peel.
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Blanch the Tomatoes: Place the scored tomatoes into the boiling water for approximately 30 seconds or until you notice the skins beginning to peel back.
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Ice Bath: Immediately remove the tomatoes from the boiling water and transfer them to the ice water bath. This will halt the cooking process and cool them quickly, ensuring they maintain their vibrant color.
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Peel and Prepare: Once cooled, remove the tomatoes from the ice water. Carefully peel off the skins, core each tomato, then cut them in half and gently squeeze to remove seeds and excess pulp.
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Chop the Tomatoes: Coarsely chop the peeled tomatoes and set them aside, allowing their juices to gather.
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Brown the Meats: In a large sauté pan or skillet over medium heat, add the sweet Italian sausage links and sliced prosciutto. Brown the meats thoroughly until they are caramelized and fragrant, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
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Add Aromatics: To the browned meats, add the diced red onion and minced garlic. Sauté these ingredients until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
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Deglaze the Pan: Pour in 1/4 cup of white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Allow the mixture to reduce until most of the liquid has evaporated, enhancing the sauce’s depth of flavor.
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Incorporate the Tomatoes and Herbs: Add the coarsely chopped tomatoes along with the fresh basil and oregano to the pan. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for approximately 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Thicken the Sauce: About 15 minutes before the sauce is finished simmering, add a generous amount of freshly grated parmesan cheese to the mixture. This will help thicken the sauce and add a rich, cheesy flavor.
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Cook the Pasta: In the meantime, cook the angel hair pasta according to package directions until it reaches an al dente texture. The delicate nature of angel hair makes it essential to monitor the cooking time closely to prevent overcooking.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it thoroughly and then add it directly to the sauce in the skillet. Toss the pasta gently to ensure each strand is coated with the luscious sauce.
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Serve: Transfer the pasta and sauce to a large serving bowl. Garnish with additional freshly grated parmesan cheese and a few sprigs of fresh basil for a burst of color and flavor.
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Enjoy: Serve immediately, savoring every bite of this delightful dish that perfectly balances the robust flavors of the meat sauce with the delicate texture of the angel hair pasta.
This Tomato, Basil, Garlic, and Meat Sauce with Angel Hair Pasta not only embodies a delightful mix of flavors but also showcases the beauty of fresh, simple ingredients combined in a way that is both satisfying and celebratory. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an elegant gathering, it promises to be a crowd-pleaser that will earn its place in your regular dinner rotation. Enjoy the lightness of the dish while still indulging in the comforting essence of a classic pasta meal!
