Description
This flavorful Fregola Sarda recipe combines toasted Sardinian pasta with a rich, aromatic tomato sauce made from sautéed shallots, garlic, and crushed tomatoes. Enhanced with pecorino cheese, fresh basil, and lemon zest, this comforting Italian dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large shallot, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes, lightly crushed
- 1/2 cup water or low-sodium broth
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
Pasta and Garnish
- 12 ounces fregola sarda pasta
- 1/3 cup grated pecorino romano or Parmesan cheese
- 10 fresh basil leaves, torn
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallot and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and release a fragrant aroma.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the lightly crushed whole peeled tomatoes along with the water or low-sodium broth. Stir in the fine sea salt and optional red chili flakes. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors well. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit more liquid to maintain desired consistency.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fregola sarda pasta until al dente, following package instructions, then drain thoroughly.
- Finish Dish: Add the drained fregola pasta directly into the tomato sauce. Stir in the grated pecorino romano or Parmesan cheese, torn fresh basil leaves, and lemon zest. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red chili flakes according to taste.
- Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the sauce.
- Fregola sarda pasta can be substituted with Israeli couscous or small pearl pasta if unavailable.
- Freshly grated cheese is preferred for better flavor and texture.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Fregola Sarda, Sardinian pasta, Italian pasta recipe, tomato sauce, pecorino cheese, basil, lemon zest, vegetarian pasta, easy Italian dinner
