Description
This Pasta with Tomatoes and Mozzarella is a delightful and simple Italian-inspired dish featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a fresh tomato and garlic sauce, enriched with fragrant basil and creamy burrata or fresh mozzarella. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a casual dinner with friends.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti
Sauce
- 4 tomatoes, chopped (medium size, about 4 cups total)
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped or thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, gently torn
Toppings and Serving
- 4 ounces burrata or fresh mozzarella
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Black pepper (optional)
- Crushed red pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Just before draining, reserve about one cup of the pasta water to help finish the sauce. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce base: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped or thinly sliced garlic along with the tomato paste. Stir continuously and let it sizzle for about 2 minutes until fragrant but not burned, developing a rich aroma.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and stir well. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes to concentrate the flavors, creating a luscious base for the tomatoes.
- Add tomatoes and salt: Add the chopped tomatoes and kosher salt to the skillet. Stir to coat the tomatoes evenly in the sauce. Cook while stirring and scraping the bottom of the skillet as needed until the tomatoes soften, release their juices, and start to wilt, about 5 minutes.
- Combine pasta with sauce: Turn off the heat on the skillet. Add the cooked pasta, butter, torn basil leaves, and a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together thoroughly with tongs, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Taste and adjust salt as preferred.
- Add cheese and serve: While the pasta is still hot, tear the burrata or fresh mozzarella over the top of the skillet or individual serving bowls to let it gently melt into the pasta. Garnish with extra basil leaves, a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese, black pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Burrata or fresh mozzarella adds creaminess; if unavailable, fresh mozzarella alone works well.
- Adjust salt and seasoning according to taste preferences.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the cheese melting beautifully over the pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian