Bucatini Pomodoro

Introduction

Bucatini Pomodoro is a classic Italian pasta dish that’s all about simple ingredients coming together to create something truly satisfying. The thick, hollow bucatini noodles are the star, perfectly designed to hold onto the rich and flavorful tomato sauce. It’s a dish that doesn’t need a lot of fuss—just ripe tomatoes, aromatic garlic, fresh basil, and a splash of olive oil to bring it all together. And when you twirl that pasta around your fork, each bite is bursting with the essence of summer in every bite.

I love making Bucatini Pomodoro on busy weeknights when I want something comforting but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The beauty of this dish is that it’s quick to prepare, yet still feels like a treat. I remember serving it to a group of friends one evening, and their faces lit up with delight as they took that first bite. The combination of the tender noodles and the rich, velvety tomato sauce had everyone going back for seconds.

What’s great about Bucatini Pomodoro is how versatile it is. You can serve it as is for a simple meal, or add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch. Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or something to impress guests, this dish always hits the mark. It’s comfort food at its finest, and once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!

Perfect for:

Turn your leftovers into tasty chef-like dishes with Duo Cover.

Get Duo Cover Today!

• Casual family dinners
• Weeknight meals
• Dinner parties
• Italian cuisine lovers
• Vegetarians (optional)

Why You’ll Love This Bucatini Pomodoro

Here’s why Bucatini Pomodoro will quickly become your go-to pasta dish:

• Simple Ingredients: With just a few basic ingredients, this dish is easy to make but packed with authentic Italian flavors.
• Hearty and Filling: Bucatini’s thick, hollow shape is perfect for holding onto the sauce, making this dish wonderfully satisfying.
• Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of ripe tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil delivers a burst of freshness in every bite.
• Quick and Easy: Bucatini Pomodoro can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a quick yet impressive meal.
• Versatile: This dish can be easily customized with additional ingredients like olives, capers, or chili flakes for added complexity.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 10g, Carbs: 80g, Fat: 14g

Ingredients

To make Bucatini Pomodoro, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 12 oz bucatini pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) whole tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for extra richness)

Ingredient Highlights

• Bucatini Pasta: Bucatini is a thicker, hollow pasta that captures more sauce with each bite, making it the perfect choice for a flavorful tomato sauce.
• San Marzano Tomatoes: These tomatoes are known for their sweet, low-acid flavor, making them ideal for creating a rich, balanced sauce.
• Fresh Basil: Adds a fragrant, herby element that brightens the sauce and complements the sweetness of the tomatoes.
• Olive Oil and Garlic: A classic base for Italian sauces, olive oil and garlic infuse the sauce with deep flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan brings a salty, umami-rich finish to the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Bucatini Pomodoro:

Cook the Bucatini:

1. Boil the Pasta: In a large pot of salted water, bring the water to a boil. Add the bucatini pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.

Make the Pomodoro Sauce:

2. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Add the Tomatoes: Add the canned whole tomatoes to the skillet, crushing them with a spoon or your hands. Stir in the sugar (if using), salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Add Butter (Optional): For a richer sauce, stir in 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter until melted and incorporated.

Combine the Pasta and Sauce:

5. Toss the Pasta: Add the drained bucatini pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Stir in Fresh Basil: Once the pasta is coated in the sauce, stir in the fresh chopped basil, saving a few leaves for garnish.

Serve the Bucatini Pomodoro:

7. Plate the Dish: Divide the pasta into bowls, making sure each serving has plenty of sauce. Top with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and additional fresh basil leaves for garnish.

How to Serve Bucatini Pomodoro

Bucatini Pomodoro is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and garnishes:

• With a Side Salad: Serve with a simple green salad, like arugula or mixed greens, dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a refreshing contrast.
• With Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of crispy garlic bread to mop up any leftover sauce.
• With Wine: Pair with a light red wine like Chianti or a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio for a balanced meal.
• With Grilled Vegetables: Complement the pasta with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant for extra flavor and texture.
• As a Main Course or Side: Bucatini Pomodoro can be served as a hearty main dish or as a flavorful side to grilled meats or seafood.

Additional Tips for Bucatini Pomodoro

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Bucatini Pomodoro turns out perfect:

• Use High-Quality Tomatoes: San Marzano tomatoes are known for their sweetness and low acidity, which results in a more balanced sauce. If you can’t find them, use any high-quality canned tomatoes you like.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since bucatini is thicker than regular pasta, it’s important to cook it just until al dente to avoid a mushy texture.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Always reserve some pasta water before draining the noodles. It’s a great way to adjust the sauce consistency and make the sauce stick better to the pasta.
• Customize the Spice: If you like your pasta spicy, add more red pepper flakes. If you prefer it mild, omit the flakes altogether.
• Don’t Skip the Fresh Basil: Fresh basil is a key component of this dish, adding fragrance and freshness. Add it just before serving to preserve its flavor.
• Grate the Parmesan Fresh: Freshly grated Parmesan has a richer flavor and melts better than pre-grated cheese, making it an essential finishing touch.

Recipe Variations for Bucatini Pomodoro

Here are 10 variations you can try for Bucatini Pomodoro:

• Bucatini with Burrata: Top your pasta with fresh burrata cheese for a creamy, luxurious finish.
• Pasta Pomodoro with Olives: Add Kalamata or green olives to the sauce for a salty, briny contrast.
• Pomodoro with Capers: Stir in capers for a tangy and briny flavor that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes.
• Pomodoro with Sausage: Brown some Italian sausage and add it to the sauce for a heartier, meaty version.
• Spicy Pomodoro: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a small diced chili pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Bucatini Pomodoro with Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach at the end of cooking for a nutritious boost.
• Pomodoro with Roasted Garlic: Roast the garlic instead of sautéing it for a sweeter, more mellow flavor.
• Pomodoro with Mushrooms: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy, savory depth.
• Pomodoro with Anchovies: Add anchovies to the olive oil when sautéing the garlic for a savory umami punch.
• Bucatini with Lemon Zest: Add a bit of lemon zest to the sauce for a bright, citrusy note.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: While pasta dishes like Bucatini Pomodoro are best fresh, you can freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. Cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve.
• Storage: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Special Equipment for Bucatini Pomodoro

Here are some special equipment items that will make preparing Bucatini Pomodoro easier:

• Large Pot: A large pot for boiling pasta is essential for making sure the bucatini has enough room to cook evenly.
• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: A big pan is needed to cook the sauce and toss the pasta together.
• Garlic Press: If you don’t want to chop garlic by hand, a garlic press is a convenient tool for mincing garlic quickly.
• Pasta Spoon: A pasta spoon is ideal for transferring the cooked bucatini into the sauce without breaking it.
• Cheese Grater: Use a fine cheese grater to freshly grate Parmesan or Pecorino cheese to top your pasta.

FAQ Section for Bucatini Pomodoro

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   Yes! If you can’t find bucatini, you can use spaghetti, rigatoni, or penne. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.
2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make the tomato sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before adding the pasta.
3. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
   Absolutely! Use about 6-8 ripe tomatoes. Blanch, peel, and chop them to make your own fresh sauce.
4. How can I make the dish richer?
   Stir in a tablespoon of butter or a splash of heavy cream to make the sauce richer and creamier.
5. Can I add meat to this dish?
   Yes, you can easily add ground beef, Italian sausage, or even grilled chicken to the sauce for a more substantial meal.

Print

Conclusion

Bucatini Pomodoro is a delightful dish that brings the essence of Italian comfort food straight to your table. The thick, hearty bucatini noodles are coated in a rich, savory tomato sauce, creating a satisfying meal that’s both simple and delicious. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or part of a special gathering, this dish is guaranteed to leave everyone at the table asking for more.

The beauty of Bucatini Pomodoro lies in its simplicity. With just a few high-quality ingredients—plump tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of olive oil—you can create a flavorful, comforting meal. The bucatini noodles, with their signature hollow shape, absorb the sauce beautifully, making each bite a perfect balance of pasta and sauce.

I’d love to hear how your Bucatini Pomodoro turns out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Feel free to share any personal twists you added to the recipe, and leave a comment to let me know how much you enjoyed it!