Michelle Obama’s Pasta with Caramelized “Tomato Candy”
Inspired by Michelle Obama’s dish from Waffles + Mochi, this light pasta recipe features cherry tomatoes cooked until they reach a “candy” sweetness. Paired with short pasta, fresh basil, and Parmigiano Reggiano, this dish is simple yet packed with flavor, making it ideal for summer.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon
- Colander
- Grater for cheese
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz short pasta such as fusilli or rigatoni
- Salt for pasta water
- ¼ cup Parmigiano Reggiano grated, for serving
For the “Tomato Candy”:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp sugar optional, to enhance sweetness
- Fresh basil leaves torn or chopped
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.12 oz short pasta, Salt
Prepare the “Tomato Candy”:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes are soft, caramelized, and resemble a jam-like consistency. Add minced garlic during the last 5 minutes, allowing it to cook but not burn.2 cups cherry tomatoes, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp sugar, 3 cloves garlic
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Add Fresh Basil and Cheese:
- Remove from heat and fold in fresh basil. Sprinkle with grated Parmigiano Reggiano and toss lightly.1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano
Serve:
- Divide the pasta into bowls, garnish with more basil and a bit more cheese if desired, and serve immediately.Fresh basil leaves
Notes
Tomato Sweetness: If your tomatoes are very ripe, you may not need the sugar. It’s optional for enhancing flavor.
Pasta Water: Adding reserved pasta water helps create a silky sauce and ensures the pasta absorbs the flavors.
Cheese Substitute: Try Pecorino Romano for a slightly sharper taste.
Pasta Water: Adding reserved pasta water helps create a silky sauce and ensures the pasta absorbs the flavors.
Cheese Substitute: Try Pecorino Romano for a slightly sharper taste.
Nutrition
Calories: 424kcalCarbohydrates: 68gProtein: 14gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 710mgPotassium: 380mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 438IUVitamin C: 19mgCalcium: 110mgIron: 2mg
Ingredient Costs: Cost of Recipe by Ingredient Measurements
Shopping Costs: Cost of Recipe with Brand New Ingredient Purchases
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