Description
Cheesy Tomato Pasta is a comforting, creamy, and flavorful dish combining the tanginess of ripe tomatoes with the richness of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Quick and easy to prepare, this versatile recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and adaptable to various dietary preferences, making it an ideal cozy meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz short pasta (penne or rigatoni)
Tomato Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups ripe tomatoes (fresh, chopped or canned)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cheese Blend
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your pasta. Cook until al dente according to package instructions, then drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the tomatoes and simmer until the sauce thickens and flavors meld, about 10 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Creaminess: Lower the heat, then gradually stir in shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan, mixing until melted and thoroughly combined to create a smooth, cheesy sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta into your cheese-tomato sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if you want a looser consistency. Mix well to coat every piece perfectly.
- Finish and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste, sprinkle fresh basil over the top, and serve warm for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Notes
- Use pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it adhere to the pasta.
- Melt the cheese slowly over low heat to avoid separation and ensure creaminess.
- Add fresh basil just before serving to preserve its bright flavor and color.
- Grate your own cheese for better melt and richer flavor.
- Cook pasta al dente to maintain a perfect texture that soaks up sauce without becoming mushy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: cheesy tomato pasta, creamy pasta, easy pasta recipe, comfort food, vegetarian pasta