QUICK TOMATO-BASIL PASTA WITH FRESH MOZZARELLA
This recipe was included in an email that I received from the www.cookscountry.com website: Bored with your usual pasta and red sauce? We were, so we came up with this simple spin in which fresh mozzarella tempers the heat of spicy chili flakes. Here's what we discovered: Test Kitchen Discoveries Combine canned crushed and diced tomatoes for a rich flavor and thick texture. Flavor the sauce simply with red pepper flakes and minced garlic. Cook the pepper flakes along with the garlic in extra-virgin olive oil to intensify their flavor. Use fresh mini balls of mozzarella. If you can't find the small balls, larger balls can be cut into small cubes. Low-moisture mozzarella, the shrink-wrapped stuff, won't taste nearly as good in this dish. Liberally season the water in which the pasta is cooked; otherwise the pasta will taste bland. We recommend 1 tablespoon of salt per gallon of water. Look for fresh mini mozzarella balls in the gourmet cheese section of your supermarket.
Provided by senseicheryl
Categories Vegetable
Time 30m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Bring 4 quarts water to boil in large pot.
- Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons oil, garlic and pepper flakes in medium saucepan over medium heat until fragrant but not brown, about 2 minutes. Stir in crushed and diced tomatoes, bring to simmer, and cook until slightly thickened, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in 3 tablespoons basil, sugar and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Add 1 tablespoon salt and pasta to boiling water. Cook until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup cooking water, drain pasta, and transfer back to pot. Stir in sauce and remaining tablespoon oil, and cook over medium heat until heated through (adding reserved water if pasta seems dry), about 1 minute. Stir in mozzarella and season with salt. Serve, sprinkling with remaining 2 tablespoons basil and Parmesan.
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Gloria Kock
[email protected]I can't wait to try this recipe!
Sushila Tamang
[email protected]This recipe is a keeper!
Douglas Masho
[email protected]Yum!
Rahmat king khan
[email protected]5 stars!
Hannah Callahan
[email protected]This pasta is so flavorful and satisfying. I will definitely be making it again.
idrees Baloch
[email protected]I used a whole wheat pasta to make this dish healthier.
Tristan Ashby
[email protected]I added some grilled chicken to this pasta for extra protein.
Md rifat ali Rifat
[email protected]This pasta is a great way to use up leftover tomatoes from my garden.
Techno Fan Gamer
[email protected]I love that this recipe uses fresh ingredients. It makes the pasta taste so much better than when I use jarred sauce.
Xiao Ling
[email protected]I wasn't sure how the fresh mozzarella would taste in this dish, but I was pleasantly surprised. It adds a creamy, tangy flavor that really complements the tomatoes and basil.
miksen limbu
[email protected]This recipe is so easy to follow, even for a beginner cook like me. The instructions are clear and concise, and the ingredients are easy to find. I was able to make this dish in under 30 minutes.
Afzaal Hussain
[email protected]I've made this pasta several times now, and it's always a hit with my family. The kids love the fresh mozzarella, and I love that it's a healthy meal that's also delicious.
Sumoth Das
[email protected]This pasta is a lifesaver on busy weeknights! It's so quick and easy to make, and the flavors are amazing. I love the combination of tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella. It's the perfect comfort food.