Pasta Al Pangrattato

Originally published on February 27, 2014

Pasta is one of those dishes that doesn’t really need a whole lot of changing up, in my opinion. It’s one of my favourite things to eat, and you can put down a plate in front of me that’s just pasta and sauce and I’d be very, very happy. That being said, I saw Jamie Oliver make Pasta Pangrattato on one of his many cooking shows, and I thought it looked interesting. Really it’s just flavoured breadcrumbs on top of any pasta and sauce of your choice. This recipe isn’t exactly what Jamie did (on whatever show that was,) but it’s close enough; and it’s not only really tasty, but a great way to switch up pasta – if that’s something you’re looking for.

Ingredients:

1/2 package of any dry pasta of your choice 
2 cups spaghetti sauce 
3 tablespoons olive oil 
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon anchovy paste 
1 red chili pepper, thinly sliced 
3 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves removed 
3 garlic cloves, minced
Salt 
Pepper 

Directions:

1.) Bring a large pot of salted water up to a boil. When boiling, drop pasta in and cook for about 7-8 minutes, until the pasta is al dante with just a bit of bite left to it. When done, drain in a colander.

2.) Warm spaghetti sauce in a separate saucepan over medium heat while the pasta is cooking. When sauce is hot and pasta is finished cooking, toss pasta and sauce together.

3.) Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add anchovy paste and chili pepper. Stir and cook for about 1 minute before adding garlic cloves and cooking for 30 seconds more.

4.) Add breadcrumbs, thyme, salt and pepper, and stir to thoroughly coat breadcrumbs in oil. Cook, stirring regularly, for about 5 minutes, until breadcrumbs are golden brown and they smell incredible.

5.) Plate pasta and sauce, and place pangrattato over top.

6.) Serve and enjoy!