Drunken Pasta

Instructions

• Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil.
• Make the bread crumb gremolata: Heat the olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the bread crumbs and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until the bread crumbs are golden brown, 2–4 minutes. Transfer the bread crumbs to a heatproof bowl.
• Add the parsley, lemon zest, and salt and stir to combine. Set aside.
• Make the drunken bucatini: Once the water is boiling, add the bucatini and cook until just shy of al dente, 6–7 minutes. Reserve ½ cup (240 ml) pasta cooking water, then drain.
• While pasta is cooking, heat a large, high-walled skillet over medium heat. When the pan is hot, add the olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the pan and continue to stir for about 1 minute more, until the garlic starts to brown.
• Add the red wine to the pan and cook until reduced by about 25%, 2–3 minutes.
• Add the drained bucatini to the pan and toss gently with tongs. The wine will reduce more as the noodles cook through and soak up the wine, 2–3 minutes.
• Add the remaining 5 tablespoons of butter, the salt, and pepper. Toss until the butter is melted and the pasta is silky, about 2 minutes.
• Divide the pasta between 2 bowls and top with the bread crumb gremolata. Serve immediately.
• Enjoy!