This Tomato & Basil Pici Pasta recipe is a delightful homemade dish that combines the rustic charm of hand-rolled pasta with the vibrant flavors of a fresh tomato and basil sauce. The process of rolling the pici pasta is therapeutic and rewarding, and the sauce is simple yet bursting with flavor. Perfect for a cozy dinner or to impress guests with your culinary skills.
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Divide the dough into small pieces. With lightly oiled hands, roll each piece into a long, thin noodle about the thickness of a pencil.
Heat a pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and diced onions and cook until golden brown.
Add the tomato paste and sauté for 5 minutes. Add a little water so the paste doesn't burn.
Add the canned chopped tomatoes and garlic, and season with salt and pepper.
Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Stir in the chopped basil.
While the sauce is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil. Add a little oil.
Cook the pici pasta until al dente (fresh pici usually takes about 3-5 minutes, but cooking time may vary based on thickness). Reserve some of the pasta water.
Drain the pasta and add it directly to the pan with the tomato sauce.
Toss the pasta with the sauce, adding a little reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the noodles.
Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and a few more fresh basil leaves.
Ensure the pasta dough is not too dry or sticky for easier rolling into pici noodles.
Use fresh basil for the best flavor in the sauce.
Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for a richer taste.
What is pici pasta?
Pici pasta is a traditional hand-rolled pasta from Tuscany, Italy, resembling thick spaghetti.
Can I use store-bought pasta instead of homemade pici?
Yes, you can use store-bought pasta, but the texture and experience of homemade pici are unique.
How do I prevent the tomato paste from burning?
Add a little water while sautéing the tomato paste to prevent it from burning.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian. Simply omit the Parmesan cheese if you want it to be vegan.
How long does fresh pici pasta take to cook?
Fresh pici pasta usually takes about 3-5 minutes to cook, depending on its thickness.
I have been a professional South African chef for 18 years, now teaching kids & adults how to cook by using their instincts. I am self-taught and have an extreme passion for various international cuisines. I have fallen in love with teaching others the skills that I have learnt, inspiring them through creative cooking.
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