Penne with Basil and Caciocavallo

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Servings:
4

Tearing basil for this entree releases its aromatic oils and keeps its color vibrant. the herb steeps with garlic and olive oil before hot penne, pepper, and a traditional, slightly salty Italian cow's milk cheese are tossed in.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups loosely packed fresh basil leaves, torn, plus more for garnish

  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled, crushed with the flat side of a large knife

  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

  • Coarse salt

  • 1 pound penne

  • 2 cups grated caciocavallo cheese, plus more for sprinkling and serving

  • 2 ½ teaspoons cracked black pepper

Directions

  1. Stir together basil, garlic, and oil in a serving bowl; let stand 30 minutes. Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add salt. Add pasta; cook until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking liquid; drain pasta.

  2. Add hot pasta, the cheese, pepper, and reserved cooking liquid to the basil mixture; toss well. Sprinkle with cheese, and drizzle with oil; garnish with basil. Serve with more cheese.

Cook's Notes

If you have trouble finding caciocavallo cheese, you can substitute grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.

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