I love pasta! I do! I just lovely love it! It maybe loaded with carbs that go straight to my lover handles but I just love it. I would never survive a low carb diet. I eat healthy in many ways and choose whole grain pasta’s, brown rice, whole wheat bread and all that whole stuff, but I will never be able to give up my pasta. (or chocolate for that matter). It just isn’t going to happen and it’s who I am. But pasta isn’t all that bad. In fact it can be quite refreshing with real herbs, garden tomatoes and a light sauce… heaven!
So today I wanted to share with you CHECCA. Have you ever heard of it? Sometimes you will hear it at restaurants…a pasta with a checca topping- Pasta Alla Checca. I’ve even ordered chicken topped with checca- Chicken Alla Checca. The “checca “ portion is what we are making today. Checca is a simple Italian topping that is made from fresh tomatoes, minced garlic, evoo, salt and pepper. Those ingredients are minced and chopped and mixed then left to marinate for a few hours. When served, add in a few chopped basil leaves with some shredded Parmesan or mozzarella cheese.
The flavors are incredible rich and fresh. Toss this combination with plain pasta or a little alfredo sauce. For this dish I used my favorite alfredo sauce by Desi. Or try garnishing your bowl of pasta with grilled chicken and the checca and your done. I love to make a large batch and keep it in the fridge to add to salads through the week. I feel like checca is to the Italians as Pico de Gallo is to Mexican cuisine. I’d take both any day. Fresh real ingredients make a simple dish so satisfying. You should give it a try! Hope you enjoy.
Alla Checca
Ingredients
- 3 Vine-Ripe Tomatoes
- 2-3 Cloves of Garlic
- 5-6 Basil Leaves
- 3 Tablespoon EVOO
- Salt and Pepper
- Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Chop up your tomatoes to bite sized pieces.
- Mince your garlic.
- Place EVOO, tomatoes, garlic, salt and pepper mixed in an airtight container and allow to marinated for a few hours. (If not possible may use immediately, but the flavors are better over time).
- When ready to serve, chop some basil leaves.
- Toss checca, basil, and some parmesan cheese with plain pasta or pasta with an alfredo sauce.
Hiiii says
This was delicious. I'm 14 and it was easy to make. Everyone in my family enjoyed it. I've made a lot of pasta recipes, and I think everyone liked this one the most by far. We had it warm, but I think its better cooled.
Ivana says
I am on a diet right now...and struggling big time when it comes to pasta...miss it lots! This looks pretty healthy and once a week never killed anyone (I hope)
Aubrey says
Thanks Ivana! Aren't diets so hard.. and of course all the pasta is taken away! Well when your off your diet, this is a lovely dish and really not to heavy. The fresh tomatoes and herbs really make it wonderful.