Description
Garlic Mozzarella Margherita Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines the classic Margherita pizza ingredients with pasta. Featuring rich garlic, fresh mozzarella, and a hint of basil, this dish brings a delightful twist to traditional pasta recipes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella, cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Extra fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pan. Stir and simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the tomato sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
- Stir in the fresh mozzarella cubes and torn basil leaves. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until the mozzarella begins to soften and melt.
- Serve the pasta warm, garnished with grated Parmesan and extra fresh basil leaves.
Notes
- If you prefer a creamier version, you can stir in a bit of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese at the end of cooking.
- For extra flavor, you can drizzle the finished dish with a bit of balsamic glaze or top with more fresh mozzarella slices.
- This recipe is easily adaptable—add grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for a heartier dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: garlic mozzarella pasta, Margherita pasta, mozzarella pasta, Italian pasta, vegetarian pasta, garlic pasta