Description
A comforting classic Italian dish featuring pasta, savory tomato sauce, and creamy mozzarella.
Ingredients
Scale
- 400g (14 oz) pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 800g (28 oz) canned whole tomatoes or chopped fresh tomatoes
- 250g (9 oz) mozzarella, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 50g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Incorporate garlic: Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Add tomatoes: Pour in the canned or fresh tomatoes. Stir well and season with salt and pepper. Let it cook for about 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Mix in pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, gently mixing it with the sauce until every piece is coated.
- Add cheese: Incorporate the diced mozzarella, allowing it to melt slightly into the pasta mixture.
- Garnish: Toss in freshly torn basil leaves and mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Optional baking: For a cheesier top, transfer the pasta to a baking dish, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot, garnishing with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Notes
For the best flavor, use fresh buffalo mozzarella and avoid overcooking the pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: pasta, Italian, recipe, comfort food, mozzarella
