Tomatoes Mozzarella Basil Sauce Over Pasta
Transform weeknight dinners into something extraordinary with this vibrant Tomatoes Mozzarella Basil Sauce Over Pasta recipe. Featuring tender al dente pasta tossed in a luscious sauce of juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and fresh basil, this dish is elevated with creamy, melty cubes of fresh mozzarella. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a hint of optional red pepper flakes add richness and a subtle kick, while a dusting of Parmesan cheese brings the ultimate finishing touch. Perfectly balanced and ready in just 30 minutes, this Mediterranean-inspired pasta is a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients and bold summer flavors. Ideal for family meals or casual entertaining, this recipe guarantees restaurant-quality taste in the comfort of your own kitchen.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella, cut into small cubes
- 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
Season the tomato mixture with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water. Toss the pasta gently to coat it in the tomato sauce. Add more pasta water if the sauce seems dry.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped basil and cubed mozzarella. Toss gently until the cheese begins to melt slightly.
Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and additional fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1960 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 113.3 g | 145% | |
| Saturated Fat | 51.1 g | 256% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 217 mg | 72% | |
| Sodium | 4767 mg | 207% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 133.2 g | 48% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.6 g | 45% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.3 g | ||
| Protein | 98.8 g | 198% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 2117 mg | 163% | |
| Iron | 11.0 mg | 61% | |
| Potassium | 1399 mg | 30% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
