Penne Pasta with Tomatoes and Cheese
Indulge in the comforting simplicity of Penne Pasta with Tomatoes and Cheese, a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Featuring tender penne pasta tossed in a rich, garlicky cherry tomato sauce, this recipe shines with its blend of fresh mozzarella and nutty parmesan, creating a creamy, irresistible texture. The aromatic touch of fresh basil leaves adds a pop of freshness, while optional red chili flakes provide a subtle kick for spice lovers. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy Italian-inspired recipe uses pantry-friendly ingredients like extra virgin olive oil and dried spices, making it both budget-friendly and delicious. Serve it piping hot with extra parmesan and basil for an authentic Mediterranean experience!
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Ingredients
- 400 grams penne pasta
- 300 grams cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 whole garlic cloves
- 200 grams mozzarella cheese
- 50 grams parmesan cheese
- 10 pieces fresh basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. Peel and finely chop the garlic cloves.
Step 3
In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 4
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes (if using), and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
Step 5
While the sauce is cooking, dice the mozzarella cheese into small cubes and grate the parmesan cheese.
Step 6
Reduce the heat to low and add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta in the sauce.
Step 7
Gradually add the diced mozzarella and a few splashes of the reserved pasta water, stirring gently until the cheese begins to melt and form a creamy sauce. Add more pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
Step 8
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves.
Step 9
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with grated parmesan cheese and additional basil leaves if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1001.3g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2530.5 |
| Total Fat 91.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 36.5g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 1.5g | |
| Cholesterol 174.5mg | 0% |
| Sodium 4099.7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 319.3g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 18.9g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 11.5g | |
| Protein 117.0g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 32IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1896.9mg | 0% |
| Iron 16.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1816.1mg | 0% |
Source of Calories