Pasta with Potatoes (pasta e patate)
Pasta with potatoes is the ultimate cucina povera dish (or peasant food), that is transforming a few basic and inexpensive ingredients into a flavorful satisfying dish, all in one pot! It's the perfect last minute dinner recipe.
Ingredients
- 5 cups simmering water
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 3 tbsp. olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
- 500 grams potatoes (peeled and cubed (about 3 large potatoes))
- ½ cup tomatoes (can be either a fresh tomato or canned whole, diced or tomato puree)
- 250 grams pasta (any small shape such as ditalini, tubettini, or a mix of pasta shapes)
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- freshly grated Parmigiano cheese (or Pecorino Romano for serving)
Directions
- 1
Bring 5 cups of water to a simmer in a small sauce pan.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a large sauce pan. Add diced onion and sauté on medium high heat until soft and golden, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Add cubed potatoes, a pinch of salt, and cook stirring to coat the potatoes in the oil, 2 minutes.
- 4
Stir in the tomatoes, a pinch of salt, and cook for 2 minutes.
- 5
Add 2 cups of simmering water or enough to cover the potatoes. Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer and cook covered for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender.
- 6
Uncover and add the pasta, a pinch of salt and 1 cup of water. Cook at a gentle boil, stirring frequently until the pasta is al dente.
- 7
Add more simmering water, as needed, to cook the pasta and according to taste. If you want a thicker pasta with potatoes add less water, for a 'soupier' version add more water.
- 8
Correct the seasoning as needed. Drizzle a little olive oil on top and serve hot with grated Parmigiano or Pecorino Romano cheese.