BUCATINI WITH OLIVE-CAPER SAUCE

Bucatini With Olive-Caper Sauce image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Kosher salt
12 ounces bucatini or spaghetti
1 small clove garlic
2 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed
Pinch of red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound tomatoes, diced
2/3 cup pitted kalamata or nicoise olives, chopped
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces, at room temperature
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, finely chopped

Steps:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain the pasta.
Meanwhile, pile the garlic, 1 tablespoon capers and the red pepper flakes on a cutting board; mince, then mash with the flat side of a chef's knife to make a paste. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and add the olive oil, tomatoes, olives, the remaining 1 tablespoon capers and the butter. Stir in the basil and cheese.
Add the pasta to the bowl with the tomato mixture and toss until the butter is melted, adding the reserved cooking water to moisten, if needed. Season with salt.