Ingredients

  • 1 pound plum tomatoes (about 4)
  • 3 to 6 chiles de arbol, depending on how spicy you like it
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium white onion, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup canola oil
  • 1 cup small shaped pasta such as melon seeds, orzo, or alphabets
  • 1/2 cup Roasted Tomato-Chile de Arbol Salsa
  • 2 cups chicken stock (low-sodium store-bought is fine)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
  • A handful of shredded cotija or queso fresco (preferably the Cacique brand, or pecorino, Parmesan, or lightly salty feta

Method

  • Heat the oil in a Dutch oven or medium pot over medium-high heat until it ripples.
  • Add the pasta and cook, stirring constantly, until the pasta is golden, about 3 minutes.
  • Scoop out and discard 2 tablespoons of the oil.
  • Add the Roasted Tomato-Chile Arbol Salsa and cook for 2 minutes, stirring the whole time.
  • Pour in the chicken stock and let the liquid come to a simmer.
  • Cover the pot and cook, stirring once in a while, until the liquid is absorbed and the pasta is tender, about 20 minutes.
  • Divide the pasta between two bowls and garnish with the cilantro and cheese.