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Fresh Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta with Mozzarella

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A light, refreshing, and comforting pasta dish featuring blistered cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella. Perfect for quick and easy summer meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (300 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) fresh mozzarella, torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) spaghetti or linguine
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional), a pinch
  • Lemon zest from half a lemon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
  3. Add 2 cups (300 grams) of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir occasionally, letting them soften and blister for about 5-7 minutes until some skins start to crack and juices release.
  4. Season with salt, freshly cracked pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Stir and cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the tomatoes. Pour in about ¼ cup (60 ml) of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Using tongs, gently toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly.
  6. Remove the pan from heat. Tear in about 1 cup of fresh basil leaves and 8 ounces (225 grams) of fresh mozzarella pieces. Toss gently just to combine, allowing the residual heat to soften the cheese without melting it completely.
  7. Optionally, zest half a lemon over the pasta for a bright finish. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil leaves.

Notes

Blister the cherry tomatoes slowly over medium heat to bring out their natural sweetness without burning. Add fresh mozzarella off the heat to keep its creamy texture. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Tear basil leaves by hand rather than chopping to preserve aroma and texture. Season gradually in stages for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: cherry tomato pasta, basil pasta, mozzarella pasta, summer pasta recipe, easy pasta recipe, fresh tomato pasta

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/fresh-cherry-tomato-basil-pasta-with-mozzarella-easy-homemade-recipe-for-summer-meals/