Pasta al Pomodoro e Mozzarella: A Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Pasta al Pomodoro e Mozzarella is a classic Italian dish that perfectly showcases the simple, fresh flavors of Italian cuisine. With ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and al dente pasta, this dish is not only delicious but also quick to prepare, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and leisurely weekends. From my own personal experience, I can tell you that when you use high-quality ingredients, the results are truly amazing. Let me show you how I make this delightful dish.

Notes on What to Expect

When you prepare Pasta al Pomodoro e Mozzarella, you can expect a fresh, flavorful dish with a beautiful balance of acidity from the tomatoes and creaminess from the mozzarella. It’s a comforting meal that’s sure to impress your family or guests.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Time to Stand: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 400
• Cost of Ingredients: Around $10-15
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Course

Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander for draining pasta
• Skillet or saucepan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Pasta al Pomodoro e Mozzarella  here.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or your favorite pasta
• Tomatoes: 2 cups (500 g) fresh ripe tomatoes (or 1 can of whole peeled tomatoes)
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons
• Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• Mozzarella Cheese: 8 oz (225 g), diced or torn into pieces
• Salt: to taste
• Pepper: to taste
• Parmesan Cheese: (optional) for serving
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Pasta al Pomodoro e Mozzarella  here.

Method

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

1. Prepare the Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the Pasta: Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
3. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water. This will help adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
4. Drain: Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
3. Add Tomatoes: If using fresh tomatoes, chop them into small pieces and add to the skillet. If using canned tomatoes, crush them with your hands before adding. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Season the Sauce: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add chopped basil, stirring to combine.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce.
2. Mix Well: Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency. The pasta should be well-coated but not swimming in sauce.
3. Add Mozzarella: Gently fold in the mozzarella cheese, allowing it to melt slightly into the pasta.

Step 4: Serve

1. Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with additional basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
2. Enjoy: Enjoy your Pasta al Pomodoro e Mozzarella with a side salad or crusty bread.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: This dish is already vegetarian, but you can add roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta.
• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free mozzarella alternative or skip the cheese altogether for a lighter dish.
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Pasta al Pomodoro e Mozzarella  here.

Tips

• Tomatoes: Use the ripest tomatoes you can find for the best flavor. Summer tomatoes are especially delicious!
• Pasta Cooking Water: Don’t forget to save some pasta water; it helps emulsify the sauce and helps it cling to the pasta.
• Basil: Fresh basil really makes a difference; feel free to add more if you love the flavor.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: ~400
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 50g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 12g

I hope this guide has made making Pasta al Pomodoro e Mozzarella seem a little less daunting. Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please leave your honest comment.