Spicy Charred Spaghetti (Pasta all’Assassina)
Spicy Charred Tomato Pasta, or Pasta all’Assassina, is a unique Italian dish where the pasta is cooked directly in a rich, spicy tomato broth, resulting in a sticky, caramelized sauce with deliciously crunchy, charred noodles
Servings: 4 People
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cup passata (or your favorite tomato sauce)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 lb spaghetti dried
Instructions
- Make your tomato broth, in a medium sauce pan combine 2 1/2 cups passata with 3 cups water and bring to a simmer
- In a large skillet (12-14 inch) over medium heat, heat olive oil, add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until garlic is fragrant and golden, about 2 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook until it darkens in color to a rich brick toe.
- Now add about 1/2 cup of your warmed tomato broth to your skillet with oil. Place the 1 lb of dried spaghetti in skilled on top of mixture. Add 1 more cup of tomato broth on top of dried noodles. Use a fork to distribute evenly broth in between the pasta.
- Leave the pasta undisturbed for about 3 minutes, until the broth is nearly absorbed. Then add another 1 1/2 cup tomato broth. Use a fork to again distribute the both.
- Repeat this process until about 1 cup of broth remains, a total of 3 times. At this point, use a thin metal spatula to peak underneath the pasta strands. It should being to look crispy and charred. If so, flip pasta over. If not cook increase the heat and cook for 1-2 more minutes.
- Once pasta noodles are softening and flipped add remaining 1 cup of broth. Cook until pasta is al dente.
- Divide pasta among bowls and top with high quality olive oil. Basil and cheese too if that’s your thing!