Homemade Tagliatelle with Squid and Cherry Tomatoes

Tagliatelle with Squid and Cherry Tomatoes

Category: Pasta
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fresh Pasta
   Start by preparing the homemade tagliatelle. Place the flour in a large bowl, leaving a bit aside in case you need it for dusting. Create a well in the center and add the eggs at room temperature. Begin to mix with a fork, gradually incorporating the flour into the eggs.

2. Knead the Dough
   Once the mixture starts coming together, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10-15 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Make sure to knead energetically but carefully to avoid tearing the gluten structure. Once done, shape the dough into a ball and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.

3. Roll Out the Dough
   After the resting period, divide the dough into three portions. Wrap two portions in plastic wrap to keep them from drying out. Flour one portion generously and flatten it slightly. Using a pasta machine, start with the widest setting (setting 1) and feed the dough through the rollers. Fold the edges of the dough towards the center to create a more uniform shape, dust lightly with flour, and roll it through the machine again. Repeat this process, gradually reducing the thickness until you reach setting 8. The dough should be thin but firm.

4. Cut the Tagliatelle
   Once the dough is rolled out, place it on a floured surface and use a pastry cutter or a knife to even out the edges. Cut the sheet into two parts. Take one sheet, fold it about two-thirds of the way, then slice it into 7mm wide strips. Carefully separate the tagliatelle and twist each portion into nests using your hands.

5. Prepare the Squid and Tomatoes
   Clean the squid thoroughly, removing the skin and any remaining ink. Cut the squid into thin strips. Wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them into quarters.

6. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, drop the tagliatelle in and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until al dente. Be sure to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.

7. Prepare the Sauce
   While the pasta is cooking, heat a pan over medium heat and drizzle with a bit of extra virgin olive oil. Add the garlic and sauté for about two minutes to infuse the oil. Next, add the squid and cook until they turn opaque and tender. Remove the garlic from the pan.

8. Make the Sauce
   Add the cherry tomatoes to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and toss in the capers. Let the mixture cook for a few more minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.

9. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
   Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving some of the cooking water. Add the cooked tagliatelle directly into the pan with the squid and tomato mixture. Pour in a ladle of the reserved pasta water and toss to combine, allowing the sauce to coat the pasta.

10. Finish the Dish
    Remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Stir to mix everything together and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

11. Serve and Enjoy
    Serve the tagliatelle hot, garnished with a bit more parsley if desired. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, with the delicate flavors of squid and tomatoes complementing the fresh, homemade pasta.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

This Tagliatelle with Squid and Cherry Tomatoes is a perfect combination of fresh homemade pasta, tender squid, and ripe tomatoes, all enhanced with a burst of flavor from capers and parsley. It’s an easy-to-make yet sophisticated dish, ideal for a cozy dinner or impressing guests with your culinary skills!