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How to Make an Easy Pasta Dish with Fresh Mozzarella and Tomatoes
Pasta is a dish as versatile as it is beloved across the world. It’s simple, quick to make, and deeply satisfying—a comfort food that spans the seasons. One particular recipe that stands out for its fresh and lively profile is the combination of tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella—a quintessential taste of Italian cuisine. In this post, we will walk you through creating an easy and delightful dish using fresh mozzarella and ripe tomatoes.
Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a flavorful weeknight dinner or a single professional preparing a satisfying meal after a long day, this dish provides the perfect blend of ease and indulgence.
Ingredients Needed
To begin your culinary adventure, gather the following ingredients:
- Pasta (preferably penne or farfalle for their ability to capture sauce) – 8 oz
- Fresh Mozzarella – 16 oz, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Cherry Tomatoes – 2 pints, halved
- Pesto - You can use a jar of your favorite, or follow the recipe HOW TO MAKE PESTO SAUCE IN 5 EASY STEPS
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
These simple yet fundamental ingredients come together to create a dish that sings with the flavors of summer.
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Preparation Steps
Follow these step-by-step instructions to prepare your delicious fresh pasta dish:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Step 2: Prepare Fresh Mozzarella and Tomatoes
Step 2: Prepare Fresh Mozzarella and Tomatoes
Step 2: Prepare Fresh Mozzarella and Tomatoes
Step 2: Prepare Fresh Mozzarella and Tomatoes
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients.
- Cut the fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- They’re freshest when kept at room temperature before serving to room temperature to allow the flavors to fully develop.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Step 2: Prepare Fresh Mozzarella and Tomatoes
Step 2: Prepare Fresh Mozzarella and Tomatoes
- In a large bowl, combine the fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, pesto sauce, and pasta.
Step 4: Seasoning and Garnishing
Step 2: Prepare Fresh Mozzarella and Tomatoes
Step 4: Seasoning and Garnishing
- The heat of the pasta will slightly soften the cheese and tomatoes, allowing them to meld with the other ingredients beautifully.
- Toss everything together gently, ensuring the mozzarella, tomatoes, and pesto are distributed throughout the pasta.
- Sprinkle shredded parmesan over the top.
- For a bit of a kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.
Tips for Success
Signature Dishes
While the steps are straightforward, here are some tips to ensure you nail this simple yet flavorful dish:
- To prevent the pasta from clumping and sticking together, be sure to toss it with the other ingredients immediately after draining and before it has a chance to cool.
Variations and Additions
This dish is incredibly versatile and open to a variety of interpretations. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Protein Power: If you’re in the mood for protein, grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp can be wonderful additions.
- Vegan Option: To make this dish dairy-free, simply omit the mozzarella. It will still be incredibly tasty with the bright, fresh flavors of tomatoes and pesto
How to Make an Easy Pasta with Fresh Mozzarella &Tomatoes
