Dining Under the Lemons: Pasta at Da Paolina

Sciué Sciué (pronounced shway shway) translates directly to hurry hurry, making it the  perfect pasta to make when you’re looking for something simple, fresh, and easy to make! This dish always reminds me of my brother in law Mike. It is Mike’s go-to at home with his family, and also on the island of Capri, Italy. When re-creating this dish, I knew I wanted to make it even more special; so why not add fresh burrata to the top of it to cool down its spice from the red pepper flakes! This recipe is a must try that can be made with simple ingredients and in your kitchen tonight.

Ingredients

4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

6-8 garlic cloves, diced

1-2 tbsp red pepper flakes

12oz cherry tomatoes, sliced in half

1 container of basil, ripped from stem

1/2lb De Cecco spaghetti

half large burrata

grated parmesan cheese

salt and pepper

Method

1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and season with a  generous amount of salt. Then add 1/2lb De Cecco spaghetti.

2. In a large saute pan, heat 4 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add diced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes. Once you see the garlic begin to brown, add in 1-2 tbsp of red pepper flakes and stir with a wooden spoon.

3. Add halved cherry tomatoes and basil, season with salt and pepper then combine. Using a large spoon, add 4 tbsp of pasta water directly to the pan to thicken the sauce. Continue to cook while your pasta is boiling.

4. One minute before the pastas recommended al dente time, remove and add directly to your saute pan, do not drain the pasta water.

5. Add an additional 4 tbsp of pasta water and cook the pasta in the sauce.

6. To serve, scoop the pasta directly from the pan into a bowl or pasta plate. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese, add 1 piece of burrata, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Add freshly cracked pepper on top.

Tips from the chef

Adding pasta water directly to your sauce will provide a ton of flavor! Never drain your pasta, instead, remove directly from boiling water and add to your sauce right away.