Creamy tomato pasta with crispy ham

recipe

• Step 1
  In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
• Step 2
  Meanwhile, peel and small dice the red onion.
• Step 3
  Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the red onion and grated garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Step 4
  Add the tomato puree and basil leaves (optional). Season with salt and pepper and continue cooking for 5 minutes, stirring.
• Step 5
  At the end of cooking, set aside a small ladle of pasta cooking water, then drain it.
• Step 6
  Add the reserved cooking water and grated pecorino to the pan. Mix well. Add the drained pasta and mix again. Keep warm.
• Step 7
  Meanwhile, in a second hot pan, add the slices of cured ham. Grill them on both sides until crispy. Set aside on paper towels.
• Step 8
  Serve the creamy tomato pasta on a plate and sprinkle with pecorino. Add the crispy ham pieces on top, followed by a few basil leaves and pine nuts, if you have any. Re-season to taste, and it's ready!