Inspired by the beloved actor Danny DeVito, this family pasta recipe is a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients and authentic Italian flavors. With homemade pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and crunchy pangrattato, this dish brings comfort and joy to any table. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, it’s a meal everyone will love!
Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe
This pasta is the epitome of rustic Italian cooking. The fresh, homemade pasta is paired with a savory, slow-simmered tomato sauce and topped with a flavorful, crunchy pangrattato. It’s hearty, comforting, and brimming with layers of flavor—from the ripe tomatoes and garlic to the spicy notes from the peperoni cruschi. It's a dish that's easy to love, especially if you enjoy homemade pasta!
What Is This Dish?
Danny DeVito's Family Pasta is a rustic, homemade pasta dish inspired by DeVito’s Italian-American heritage. The fresh pasta is combined with a rich tomato sauce, flavored with garlic and seasoned with peperoni cruschi (dried peppers). The dish is finished with a crispy pangrattato topping that adds texture and depth to each bite.
Cooking Tips
- Rest the Dough: Don’t skip the resting period for the pasta dough—it helps develop the texture and makes the dough easier to work with.
- Adjust the Heat: If you can’t find peperoni cruschi, substitute with any mild dried chili pepper to add a bit of spice to the pangrattato.
- Pasta Texture: Make sure the pasta is not overcooked. Al dente is key for that perfect bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought pasta instead of homemade?
While homemade pasta really takes this dish to the next level, store-bought fresh pasta is a fine substitute if you're short on time.
Can I freeze the pasta dough?
Yes! Once the dough has rested, wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw before using.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Increase the amount of peperoni cruschi or add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.
How to Store
If you have leftovers, store the pasta and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The pasta will last up to 2 days, but the sauce can keep for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of water to the sauce and warm over low heat, then toss with freshly boiled pasta.
How to Freeze
The pasta dough can be frozen before or after cutting. If freezing before, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. For the sauce, let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw the sauce overnight and reheat as needed.
Ingredients
- 400g durum wheat flour
- 200ml tepid water (for kneading)
- 1kg ripe tomatoes
- 6 cloves of garlic
- 3 tbsps olive oil
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 peperoni cruschi (dried Senise peppers)
- 100g quality breadcrumbs
- 3 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
How to Make Danny DeVito's Family Pasta Recipe
- Place the flour in a large bowl, create a well in the center, and gradually stir in the tepid water until combined. Knead for 10 minutes until smooth and pliable. Rest the dough for 30 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 4 equal parts. Roll each into a long snake, then cut into 1-inch pieces. Roll each piece into a mini sausage shape, pressing down with your fingers to form 3 indentations.
- Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for 45 seconds, then peel and chop. Sauté 4 cloves of garlic in olive oil over medium heat until fragrant. Add the chopped tomatoes and simmer for 45 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- In a pan, cook the halved and deseeded peperoni cruschi in olive oil for 5 minutes, then chop finely. Sauté the remaining garlic in the chili oil, add the breadcrumbs, and cook until golden. Add the chopped peppers and mix well.
- Boil the pasta in salted water for 3 minutes or until al dente. Add to the tomato sauce, adding a splash of pasta water to loosen it up. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
- Divide the pasta onto plates and top generously with the pangrattato. Enjoy with a fresh, leafy salad dressed with balsamic vinegar!
;Resize,width=767;)
