Fettuccine With Tomatoes and Crispy Capers

This is fast, healthy and so good! We made this recipe which we found on F&W Magazine, July/08 edition, with angel-hair pasta and it was delicious! This is "From Chef Tips For Speedy Dishes" by Grace Parisi where the fried capers add a delectable, salty crunch to the pasta tossed with fresh tomatoes and prosciutto.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1⁄4 cup small caper, drained and patted dry
• 1⁄4 cup cornstarch
• 4  anchovies packed in oil, chopped
• 2  large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 2  ounces  thinly sliced prosciutto, cut into 1-inch-wide ribbons
• 2  tomatoes, coarsely chopped
• 1⁄2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1  tablespoon  thinly sliced basil
• 1  lb fettuccine
•  freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese, for serving

Directions

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil.
2. In a small bowl, toss the capers with the cornstarch and transfer to a sieve; shake off the excess cornstarch.
3. Add the coated capers to the oil and fry over high heat, tilting and gently shaking the pan, until the capers are crispy and golden, about 3 minutes.
4. Drain the capers, reserving 2 tablespoons of the oil in the skillet.
5. Spread the capers on a paper towel–lined plate.
6. Add the anchovies and garlic to the skillet and cook over high heat, stirring, until the garlic is golden and the anchovies dissolve, about 3 minutes.
7. Add the prosciutto, separating the ribbons, and cook until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
8. Add the tomatoes and crushed red pepper and cook just until the tomatoes begin to break down, about 3 minutes; stir in the basil.
9. Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until al dente.
10. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
11. Return the pasta to the pot along with the water and pour the sauce on top.
12. Toss over high heat just until the sauce is thickened, about 2 minutes.
13. Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with the crispy capers.
14. Pass the grated cheese at the table.
15. A Light Chardonnay: 2007 Terres Dorées Beaujolais Blanc will be a great addition to the meal, as well as, garlic breadsticks & a salad of greens.
16. Enjoy!