Summer evenings call for light, refreshing meals that don’t keep you in the kitchen for long. This Tomato Basil Pasta with Mozzarella Cheese has become a favorite in my household for just that reason. The fresh, juicy tomatoes paired with aromatic basil and creamy mozzarella create a dish that’s both simple and satisfying. It’s reminiscent of the warm, breezy nights I spent in Italy, where fresh ingredients are celebrated in every meal.
One summer, my family and I took a trip to the Italian countryside. We stayed in a quaint little village where every meal felt like a celebration of the season’s harvest. One of the local dishes that stood out to me was a simple pasta tossed with fresh tomatoes and basil. The flavors were so vibrant and fresh, and it was clear that the secret was in using high-quality, fresh ingredients. When I returned home, I was inspired to recreate that experience, and this recipe is my way of bringing a little piece of Italy to my own kitchen.
What I love about this recipe is its versatility. For a bit of a twist, you can swap the mozzarella for burrata, which adds an extra creamy texture. If you prefer a bit more heat, increasing the red pepper flakes will give it an extra kick. You can also experiment with different types of pasta; while fusilli is perfect for holding the sauce, penne or farfalle would work just as well.
This dish is also great for gatherings. It’s easy to make in large quantities, and you can serve it either warm or chilled. For a heartier meal, you might add some grilled chicken or shrimp. No matter how you tweak it, the combination of fresh tomatoes, basil, and cheese is always a hit.
Tomato Basil Pasta with Mozzarella Cheese
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Ingredients
- 2 cups of diced roma or beefsteak tomatoes (3 large)
- 1/4 cup of red onion, chopped
- 16 oz of fusilli pasta
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 6 tbsp of olive oil
- 8 basil leaves, finely chopped
- 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp of sugar
- 1/4 tsp of red pepper flakes
- 3 tbsp of Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
- Mix the diced tomatoes, red onion, chopped basil, minced garlic, olive oil, sugar, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl. Stir well to combine the flavors.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the fusilli pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly.
- Place the drained pasta into the bowl with the tomato mixture. Toss well to evenly coat the pasta.
- Add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese to the pasta. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss again to combine.
- Serve the pasta warm or refrigerate for a chilled dish. Enjoy!
Storing Suggestions:
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of olive oil if needed to maintain moisture.
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute fusilli with other pasta shapes such as penne, rotini, or even spaghetti. The key is to ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to maintain the texture.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta. All other ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?
While fresh basil provides the best flavor, you can use dried basil if fresh is unavailable. Use 1 teaspoon of dried basil in place of the 8 fresh basil leaves.
What can I add to make this dish more filling?
For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables. These additions can complement the flavors and add more protein and nutrients to the dish.
Is this pasta dish best served warm or cold?
This pasta dish is versatile and can be enjoyed either warm or cold. If serving cold, allow the pasta to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
Can I prepare the tomato mixture in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the tomato mixture a few hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook the pasta and combine the ingredients. This can help save time and enhance the flavors.
Tomato Basil Pasta (With Mozzarella Cheese)
Ingredients
- 3 large roma or beefsteak tomatoes diced, about 2 cups
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 8 fresh basil leaves finely chopped
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 16 ounces fusilli pasta
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese grated
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, finely chopped basil, minced garlic, olive oil, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to blend the flavors.
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the fusilli pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- Transfer the cooked pasta into the bowl with the tomato mixture. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the mixture.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss again to combine.
- Serve the pasta warm or refrigerate for a chilled version. Enjoy!
