Michael Symons Pasta Pomodoro Recipes

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Bring a pot of water to a boil and salt liberally.
• Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat and add the oil. Once the oil is hot, add the garlic and onions and saute, stirring, for 3 minutes.
• Meanwhile, drop the pasta in the boiling water and cook 3 to 4 minutes less than the package instructions.
• Add the crushed tomatoes to the saucepan and bring to a simmer. When simmering, stir in any add-ins if desired.
• Drain the pasta and mix it into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a baking dish and top with the provolone or mozzarella. Bake until the cheese is melted, 3 to 5 minutes.

Steps:

• Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the 1/4 cup olive oil and heat until hot. Add the onions, garlic and a large pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, 3 to 5 minutes.
• Stir in the red pepper flakes and tomatoes and season with salt and black pepper. Tie the oregano and thyme together with a piece of butcher's twine, then add to the sauce. Bring to a simmer.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti 2 minutes less than the time indicated in the package directions. Remove the herb bundle from the sauce and discard.
• Add the spaghetti to the warm sauce along with 1/4 cup of the pasta water. Let the spaghetti finish cooking in the sauce, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Remove from the heat and stir in the butter, basil leaves and a good drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan over the top.