Pasta with tomatoes and mozzarella

Pasta with tomatoes and mozzarella - a simple and delicious recipe

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Are you looking for a quick dessert or a light meal full of flavors? This recipe for pasta with tomatoes and mozzarella is perfect for busy evenings or a quick meal in the middle of the week. The fresh taste of tomatoes, the unmistakable aroma of garlic, and the creamy texture of mozzarella make this dish an ideal choice. Let's get started!

Ingredients:
- 300 g pasta (penne or spaghetti)
- 400 g ripe tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes for a more colorful look)
- 200 g fresh mozzarella
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish and flavor)

Step 1: Cooking the pasta
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add salt to taste and cook the pasta according to the package instructions (about 8-10 minutes for penne or 10-12 minutes for spaghetti). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and reserve a little cooking water to adjust the sauce later if needed.

Step 2: Preparing the tomato sauce
Meanwhile, peel and slice the garlic thinly. In a large skillet, add the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the garlic slices and sauté for 1-2 minutes until golden and fragrant, being careful not to burn them, as burnt garlic can ruin the taste of the dish.

Step 3: Adding the tomatoes
Wash and dice the tomatoes. Add them to the skillet over the sautéed garlic and stir well. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little pasta water to thin it out.

Step 4: Combining the pasta with the sauce
Once the sauce is ready, add the drained pasta to the skillet and mix well to coat it evenly with the delicious sauce. Cut the mozzarella into cubes and add it to the skillet, stirring gently until it melts and becomes creamy. This step is essential for achieving the perfect texture.

Step 5: Serving
Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of flavor and color. This pasta with tomatoes and mozzarella is excellent both warm and at room temperature, making it ideal for picnics or summer meals.

Variation suggestions:
For a spicy kick, you can add chili flakes to the tomato sauce. You can also experiment with various other vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, to add alongside the tomatoes. If you like meat, you can add grilled chicken cubes or crispy bacon for an extra burst of flavor.

This recipe for pasta with tomatoes and mozzarella is not only quick and simple, but it also brings a fresh and authentic Italian taste to your table. Taste and enjoy the final result!

 Ingredients: 4-5 not too large tomatoes, 3 cloves of garlic, a few basil leaves, olive oil, mozzarella (I had 2 balls of 150g each), salt, pepper to taste, pasta of your choice, I had mini penne.