Ready To Move On? Let Divorce Ditalini Do The Talking

Yields: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 45 mins

Ingredients

  • 8 oz.

    pancetta, finely chopped

  • 4

    garlic cloves, thinly sliced

  • 2 tbsp.

    unsalted butter

  • 3

    oil-packed anchovy fillets, finely chopped

  • 1/2 c.

    chopped sun-dried tomatoes in oil, plus 1/4 cup tomato oil

  • 3/4 c.

    coarsely chopped pitted Castlevetrano olives

  • 1

    (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes

  • 3 c.

    low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth

  • 1 lb.

    ditalini

  • 1 tbsp.

    white sesame seeds

  • 2 tsp.

    crushed red pepper flakes

  • 1/2 c.

    crumbled feta, divided

  • 4 tbsp.

    torn fresh basil leaves, divided

  • Kosher salt

Directions

  1. Place pancetta in a large, cold, stainless steel skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until fat is rendered and pancetta is golden brown and crisp, about 15 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain; reserve fat in skillet.

  2. Reduce heat to low and arrange sliced garlic in skillet in a single layer. Cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

  3. Increase heat to medium and melt butter. Add anchovies and sun-dried tomatoes and cook, stirring frequently, until anchovies are starting to melt into butter, about 2 minutes. Add Castlevetrano and Kalamata olives and cook, stirring, until anchovies are completely dissolved, about 3 minutes more.

  4. Add crushed tomatoes and broth and bring to a boil. Add ditalini and stir to combine. Return to a boil, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally so pasta doesn’t stick, until pasta is al dente, 12 to 14 minutes. Return pancetta to skillet and stir to incorporate. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, heat sun-dried tomato oil. Add sesame seeds and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring frequently, until seeds are light golden, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in 1/4 cup feta and 2 Tbsp. basil; season with salt. Top with fried garlic, chili-sesame oil., and remaining 1/4 cup feta and 2 Tbsp. basil.

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