Tomato and Basil Pasta with Mozzarella Recipe
A vibrant and comforting Tomato and Basil Pasta with creamy Buffalo mozzarella. This recipe features a rich roasted tomato and garlic sauce blended with fresh basil and balsamic vinegar, served over perfectly cooked pasta for a delightful Italian-inspired meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 650 g Salad tomatoes, chopped into small pieces
- 250 g Cherry tomatoes
- 1 Garlic head, unpeeled (top chopped off)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Tomato purée
- 30 g Fresh basil (reserve half for later)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
Pasta & Cheese
- 300 g Pasta
- 125 g Buffalo mozzarella, drained
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 180℃ fan/200℃/Gas Mark 6/350°F to prepare for roasting the sauce ingredients.
- Prepare the mozzarella: Remove the buffalo mozzarella from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature, enhancing its creamy texture when served.
- Roast the sauce: Combine all the sauce ingredients in a shallow baking dish, retaining half the basil for later. Toss to mix well, then roast in the oven for 40 minutes, or until the tomatoes and garlic are very soft and caramelized.
- Cook the pasta: About 10 minutes before the sauce is done, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain it well once cooked.
- Extract garlic pulp: Carefully remove the hot garlic from the baking dish. Squeeze out the softened garlic pulp into the dish, discarding the skins.
- Blend the sauce: Blend the roasted tomatoes, garlic pulp, remaining fresh basil, and balsamic vinegar until smooth. If needed, gently reheat the sauce on the stovetop or microwave to ensure it’s warm.
- Combine and serve: Pour the blended sauce over the drained pasta and toss thoroughly to coat. Finally, break the buffalo mozzarella over the pasta just before serving for a creamy finish.
Notes
- Be cautious when handling the roasted garlic as it will be very hot.
- Allowing mozzarella to reach room temperature improves its flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- You can use regular tomatoes if salad tomatoes are unavailable.
- The sauce can be reheated gently to avoid altering its fresh flavors.
- This dish pairs well with a light green salad or crusty bread.
