Creamy Garlic Tomato Rigatoni

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter
• 30 ml olive oil
• 6 garlic cloves
• 3 cups/500g cherry tomatoes halved
• salt
• black pepper
• hot chili flakes (optional)
• 400 g / 14 oz rigatoni
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ cup / 120 ml white wine
• ¾ cup / 200 ml heavy cream
• 120 ml / ½ cup pasta water
• 4 tbsp / 60 ml extra virgin olive oil
• 1½ tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 small clove garlic
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp salt
• black pepper to taste
• ¼ small red onion
• 200 g / 7 oz cherry tomatoes
• 2 cucumbers
• 60 g / 2 oz marinated anchovies
• 40 g / 1.4 oz Parmesan cheese
• 3 to 4 cups arugula or mixed greens
• 70 g / about ¾ cup Parmesan cheese
• fresh parsley (2 tbsp)

Method

1. Melt the butter and olive oil in a skillet. Smash and press the garlic, then add to the skillet and cook slowly until fragrant, without browning the garlic too much.
2. Add the halved tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes until soft and jammy.
3. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water for 2 minutes less than the package recommends.
4. Add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to the tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes.
5. Add the white wine and let it simmer until slightly reduced and the aroma of wine disappears.
6. Reduce the heat and add the heavy cream, mixing well.
7. Add the pasta water and bring to a boil for 2-3 minutes.
8. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until the sauce appears smooth.
9. Add the thinly sliced onion and halved tomatoes into the sauce and let sit for 5-10 minutes.
10. Add the sliced cucumbers and marinated anchovies or olives or roasted peppers in place if desired.
11. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and arugula or mixed greens, gently tossing to combine.
12. Turn off the heat and add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted into the sauce.
13. Add the oregano to the sauce and mix well.
14. Finish with fresh parsley and adjust flavor with salt, pepper, or chili flakes if desired.