cookware
- large pot
- cheese grater
- colander
- coffee mug
1 | Cook the pasta per package directions. |
2 | Balance the colander over a clean coffee mug to collect the pasta water, then drain pasta over it. Do not rinse the pasta. Wipe the inside of the pot dry with paper towels and return it to the stove. |
3 | Add olive oil to the now empty pasta pot, set heat to medium low. Brown the pancetta, if using, at this point. |
4 | Once the pancetta is browned or the oil is warmed, add in garlic, minced anchovies, and red pepper flake, constantly stirring for 1-2 minutes so that it doesn’t burn or stick. |
5 | Add the drained pasta back into the pot, then add just enough pasta water to lightly coat the pasta and the rest of the ingredients. Toss to combine. |
6 | Plate, then top with finely grated parmesan cheese and parsley. Enjoy immediately. |
notes
Pasta water is important. We have accidentally forgotten to reserve pasta water before, and this dish ends up somewhat sad and dry. The water along with the residual pasta starch helps gel all the flavors together and improves the texture.I’ve read that the kitchen sink is one of the germiest places in the home. When we drain pasta, I always place a bowl or coffee mug underneath the colander so that there is absolutely no contact with the sink. Sinks don’t like being shocked with lots of hot water at once, so draining pasta is usually a team effort for me and my husband. One will pour the pasta into the colander while the other balances the colander and runs cold water on the sink to mitigate the shock of all the hot water. We used to rinse the pasta in cold water to stop the cooking process, but we learned that warm pasta absorbs sauce better. For extra credit, fry pieces of parsley for the topping. You can do this in the same pot right before you add the garlic. Make sure that the parsley is completely dry when you throw it in. Bits of water will make the oil splatter up towards you.
