Ingredients
Scale
- 400g of your favorite pasta such as penne or ziti
- 500g ripe cherry tomatoes or crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- 200g fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into chunks
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor
Instructions
- In a skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add cherry or crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in chopped basil.
- Meanwhile, cook your preferred pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, reserving a bit of pasta water.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce, tossing to coat well. Use pasta water if needed to adjust consistency.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish. Top with torn mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese melts and turns golden brown. Garnish with additional basil before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe, high-quality tomatoes for maximum flavor.
- Fresh mozzarella provides the best melt and taste.
- Cook pasta al dente to maintain a good texture.
- Adjust basil and cheese quantities according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake, Simmer, Sauté
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 45mg