Pasta with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and garlic

Pasta with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and garlic

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4

General Description:
This recipe for pasta with fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and garlic is a great choice for hot summer days when tomatoes are at the peak of their flavor. Simple and quick, the recipe comes from my family's culinary traditions and was perfected by my mom, a true cooking artist. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook, you'll find this recipe accessible and full of flavor.

Practical tip: Use ripe tomatoes for a sweeter, richer-flavored sauce. Cherry tomatoes can also be a great choice for a great flavor.

Ingredients:
- 3 large tomatoes (about 2 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes)
- Pasta (I used penne, but you can choose whatever shape you prefer)
- 4 tablespoons tomato broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves
- 60 g fresh mozzarella
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Pepper (to taste)
- Fresh basil (for garnish)

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is rich in vitamins A and C, thanks to the fresh tomatoes. Mozzarella provides a good serving of calcium and garlic is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Prepare the tomatoes:
- Dice the 3 large tomatoes. If using cherry tomatoes, you can cut them in halves or keep whole for a more attractive presentation.
- Put the chopped tomatoes in a bowl, add 1/2 teaspoon salt and a sprinkle of basil. Stir well to combine the ingredients and let them sit for 10 minutes to let the juices release.

2. Boiling the pasta:
- In a large pot, boil water with a pinch of salt (about 1 teaspoon). Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and tomato broth. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.

3. Making the sauce:
- Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Finely mince the 6 garlic cloves and add them to the pan. Cook the garlic for 30 seconds, being careful not to burn or it will turn bitter.
- Using a fine sieve, strain the chopped tomatoes, allowing the tomato juice to drip directly into the pan. Set the tomato pulp aside.
- Cook the sauce in the pan for 5-7 minutes, until the juices thicken.

4. Finishing the main course:
- Once the pasta is done, drain well and set aside.
- Add the 3 tablespoons of butter to the pan with the tomato sauce and stir quickly so the butter melts.
- Turn off the heat and add the reserved tomato pulp, seasoning with pepper to taste.

5. Assembly:
- Transfer pasta to serving bowls. Pour the tomato sauce over the pasta, add the diced mozzarella and toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Decorating is key! Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves and, if you like, a few tomato slices for extra color and freshness.

Serving suggestions:
This pasta with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and garlic is great served warm, but can also be enjoyed cold as part of a summer pasta salad. I recommend pairing them with a glass of dry white wine or a freshly made lemonade to complete the meal.

Possible variations:
If you want to add a touch of originality, you can include roasted vegetables such as eggplant or zucchini, or even turn this dish into a vegetarian dish by adding mushrooms or black olives. You can also experiment with cheeses like Parmesan or feta for a more intense taste.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use wholegrain pasta?
- Absolutely! Whole-wheat pasta is a healthier, fiber-rich alternative.

2. What else can I add to the sauce?
- You can add chili for a spicy taste, or olives for a salty flavor.

3. How can I store leftovers?
- You can store pasta in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Warm in the microwave before serving.

This recipe for pasta with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and garlic combines simplicity with flavor, turning every meal into a memorable dining experience. Feel free to customize your recipe and share the results with your loved ones! Bon appétit!