Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) Penne or Rigatoni
  • 4 qts (3.8L) Water
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) Salt
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) Unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) Extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves (15g) Garlic, minced
  • 1 small (110g) Yellow onion, finely diced
  • 28 oz (794g) Crushed tomatoes or tomato purée
  • ½ tsp (2g) Red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup (240ml) Heavy cream
  • ½ cup (50g) Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup (15g) Fresh basil leaves, chiffonade
  • salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add salt and cook the pasta for 1-2 minutes less than the package directions to keep it extreme al dente.
  2. Reserve 1 cup (240ml) of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta. Set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil until shimmering.
  4. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
  5. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 60 seconds until fragrant and nutty, but not browned.
  6. Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Simmer on medium-low for 5-7 minutes to concentrate the flavor.
  7. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, whisking constantly until the sauce turns a smooth, uniform orange.
  8. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and glossy.
  9. Toss the undercooked pasta directly into the sauce.
  10. Add the reserved pasta water 2 tablespoons at a time, stirring vigorously over medium heat until the sauce thickens and clings to the pasta.
  11. Remove from heat and fold in the fresh basil. Stir once and serve immediately.