Express your love for Italian cuisine with this delicious penne pasta with tomato and mozzarella recipe. This dish is simple yet filled with complex flavors, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends and family. The combination of pasta, ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil creates a comforting meal that will leave everyone asking for more.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in a home kitchen. However, you may need to purchase fresh mozzarella and basil from the supermarket. Fresh mozzarella is a type of cheese that is made from milk. It's soft, moist, and flavorful, making it perfect for this pasta dish. Basil, on the other hand, is an aromatic herb that adds a distinct flavor and aroma to the dish.
Ingredients for Penne Pasta with Tomato and Mozzarella
Penne pasta: A type of pasta that is tube-shaped, perfect for holding sauces and cheeses.
Olive oil: Used to sauté the garlic and onions, adding a depth of flavor to the dish.
Green onions: Adds a mild, sweet flavor to the dish.
Garlic: Provides a pungent flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Cherry tomatoes: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish.
Mozzarella cheese: Adds a creamy, mild flavor and creates a delightful stringy texture.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp and nutty flavor to the dish.
Black olives: Adds a salty and briny flavor to the dish.
Basil: Used as a garnish, adding a fresh and peppery flavor.
One reader, Clint Rohrer says:
This penne pasta with tomato and mozzarella recipe is a game-changer! The flavors blend perfectly, and the dish is so easy to make. The mozzarella adds a creamy texture, and the cherry tomatoes bring a burst of freshness. It's a must-try for any pasta lover!
Techniques for Perfecting Penne Pasta with Tomato and Mozzarella
Cooking the pasta: Boil the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Sautéing the onions and garlic: In a skillet, heat the olive oil and sauté the green onions until tender, then add the garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Melting the cheese: After adding the cooked pasta and tomatoes to the skillet, turn the heat to low and stir in the mozzarella and parmesan cheese until melted and heated through.
Adding the basil and olives: Once the pasta and cheese are heated through, stir in the basil and black olives before serving.
How To Make Penne Tomato Mozzarella Pasta
This light and flavorful mozzarella pasta recipe uses penne tossed in with fresh basil, olives, tomatoes, and some Italian dressing.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 12ozpenne pasta
- ¼cupolive oil
- Italian dressing
- 1green onions,handful, chopped
- 1clovegarlic,minced
- 1cupcherry tomatoes,quartered
- salt and pepper,to taste
- 5ozmozzarella cheese,diced
- ¾cupparmesan cheese,grated
- 20large black olives,halved
- basil,chopped
Instructions
-
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, and set aside.
-
Add green onions to a skillet with hot oil. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
-
Stir in cooked pasta, tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Turn heat to low and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Heat through.
-
Add basil and olives. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Calories: 462.73kcal
- Fat: 22.13g
- Saturated Fat: 8.35g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10.89g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.72g
- Carbohydrates: 46.22g
- Fiber: 2.83g
- Sugar: 2.73g
- Protein: 19.65g
- Cholesterol: 33.67mg
- Sodium: 536.93mg
- Calcium: 388.51mg
- Potassium: 246.72mg
- Iron: 1.64mg
- Vitamin A: 101.58µg
- Vitamin C: 4.75mg
Mastering the Art of Cooking Penne Pasta
When adding the mozzarella and parmesan cheese to the pasta, ensure the heat is low. This allows the cheese to melt slowly and evenly, preventing it from clumping together or burning. Additionally, stirring the pasta continuously as the cheese melts helps to evenly distribute the cheese throughout the dish, resulting in a creamy and well-blended pasta.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Penne Pasta with Tomato and Mozzarella
Plan ahead: Prepare all your ingredients and utensils before you start cooking to streamline the process and avoid any last-minute scrambling.
Multitask: While the pasta is cooking, use that time to chop vegetables or prepare the other components of the dish to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese to skip the time-consuming task of grating the cheese yourself.
One-pot cooking: Consider using a large skillet or pot to cook the entire dish, reducing the number of dishes to clean and saving time on washing up.
Leftovers for lunch: Make extra portions and store the leftovers for a quick and convenient lunch option the next day.
Substitute Ingredients For Penne Tomato Mozzarella Pasta Recipe
penne pasta - Substitute with spaghetti: Spaghetti can be used as a substitute for penne pasta in this recipe, as it also holds sauce well and provides a similar texture.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
cherry tomatoes - Substitute with canned diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute for cherry tomatoes, providing a similar tomato flavor and texture when cooked.
mozzarella cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese can be used as a substitute for mozzarella, offering a mild and creamy flavor that complements the dish.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano cheese: Pecorino Romano cheese can be used as a substitute for parmesan, adding a rich and salty flavor to the dish.
black olives - Substitute with green olives: Green olives can be used as a substitute for black olives, providing a slightly different flavor profile while still adding a briny and savory element to the dish.
basil - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can be used as a substitute for basil, adding a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish.
Presentation Tips for a Delightful Pasta Dish
Elevate the plating: Arrange the penne pasta in a circular motion on the plate, creating a visually appealing presentation. Use a pair of tongs to carefully lift and position the pasta, ensuring it is neatly stacked and not scattered.
Garnish with fresh basil: Place a few vibrant basil leaves on top of the pasta, adding a pop of color and a refreshing aroma to the dish. Ensure the basil leaves are evenly distributed and delicately placed to enhance the overall visual appeal.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Drizzle a small amount of olive oil in a circular motion around the edge of the plate, creating an elegant and artistic touch. This not only adds a hint of richness but also enhances the overall presentation.
Use a unique serving dish: Consider serving the penne pasta in a stylish, handcrafted ceramic bowl to add a touch of sophistication and elevate the dining experience. The choice of serving dish can significantly impact the overall presentation.
Add a touch of color with cherry tomatoes: Strategically place halved cherry tomatoes around the edge of the plate to introduce vibrant pops of color, creating a visually stunning and appetizing presentation.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce a few carefully selected edible flowers as a garnish to add an element of elegance and sophistication to the dish. Ensure the flowers are fresh and complement the overall color scheme of the presentation.
Enhance with microgreens: Sprinkle a small amount of microgreens over the top of the penne pasta to add a delicate and visually appealing touch. The addition of microgreens not only enhances the presentation but also adds a subtle layer of flavor.
Utilize a minimalist approach: Embrace a minimalist plating style, focusing on clean lines and precise placement of each element. This approach can create a sophisticated and refined presentation that resonates with the culinary professionals.
Consider the negative space: Pay attention to the use of negative space on the plate, allowing the dish to breathe and the elements to stand out. Thoughtful consideration of negative space can elevate the overall visual impact of the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Penne Pasta
- Cooking pot: A large, deep pot used for boiling, stewing, or steaming ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients.
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen tool with holes used to drain liquids from food.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients together.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle and a lid, used for cooking sauces, soups, and other liquids.
- Wooden spoon: A spoon made of wood, used for stirring and mixing ingredients.
- Grater: A kitchen tool used to grate food into fine pieces.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used to accurately measure ingredients for recipes.
- Tongs: A tool with two arms and a pivot used for picking up and manipulating food.
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients together.
- Baking dish: A glass or metal dish used for baking and roasting food in the oven.
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food.
- Stovetop: The top part of a stove where pots and pans are placed for cooking.
- Blender: A kitchen appliance used to blend, puree, or emulsify food and other substances.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used to perform various food preparation tasks such as chopping, slicing, and shredding.
- Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning food.
- Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking and roasting food in the oven.
- Rolling pin: A cylindrical kitchen tool used to flatten and shape dough for baking.
- Pastry brush: A kitchen tool with bristles used to spread butter, oil, or glaze on food.
- Pasta pot: A large, deep pot with a strainer insert used specifically for cooking pasta.
- Cheese grater: A kitchen tool used specifically for grating cheese into fine pieces.
- Salad spinner: A kitchen tool used to wash and dry salad greens and herbs.
Storing and Freezing Penne Pasta with Tomato and Mozzarella
Let the penne pasta with tomato and mozzarella cool completely before storing. This will prevent the pasta from becoming soggy and the cheese from melting further.
Transfer the cooled pasta into an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent oxidation and maintain freshness.
If you have any leftover basil, place it on top of the pasta before sealing the container. This will help keep the basil fresh and add extra flavor to the dish when reheated.
Store the sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pasta, tomatoes, and mozzarella will remain fresh and flavorful within this timeframe.
To freeze the penne pasta with tomato and mozzarella, transfer the cooled dish into a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container with the date and contents for easy identification and rotate your frozen meals accordingly.
The frozen pasta dish can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. However, keep in mind that the texture of the pasta and cheese may slightly change after freezing and thawing.
To reheat the refrigerated pasta, simply microwave it in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
If reheating the frozen pasta, it's best to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This will help the pasta retain its texture and prevent it from becoming mushy. Once thawed, reheat it in the microwave or skillet as mentioned above.
Garnish the reheated penne pasta with tomato and mozzarella with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.
How To Reheat Leftover Penne Pasta
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover penne pasta to an oven-safe dish, and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the pasta is heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture in the pasta and prevents it from drying out.
For a quicker option, use your microwave. Place the leftover pasta in a microwave-safe bowl and add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent the pasta from drying out. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
If you prefer a crispy texture, reheat the pasta in a skillet. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover pasta and stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. This method will give your pasta a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the interior moist.
For a more flavorful twist, add some fresh ingredients to your leftover pasta while reheating. Sauté some minced garlic and chopped basil in olive oil before adding the pasta to the skillet. You can also add a handful of halved cherry tomatoes and some extra mozzarella cheese for a burst of fresh flavor.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your pasta for a crispy texture without the need for additional oil. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C), and place the leftover pasta in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the pasta is heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
Interesting Trivia About Penne Pasta
Penne pasta is named after the quill of an old-style ink pen, due to its shape.
Budget-Friendly Penne Pasta Recipe for Home Cooking
The cost-effectiveness of this penne pasta with tomato and mozzarella recipe is quite favorable for a household. The ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, making it a budget-friendly option. The use of olive oil, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese adds a touch of sophistication without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15. This dish offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, earning a solid 8 out of 10 for its affordability and taste.
Is Penne Pasta with Tomato and Mozzarella Healthy?
This penne pasta with tomato and mozzarella recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. Let's break it down:
Healthy elements:
- Tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene
- Olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats
- Garlic offers antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties
- Basil is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and K
Unhealthy aspects:
- The recipe is high in calories and fat due to the generous amounts of cheese and olive oil
- White pasta is a refined carbohydrate, lacking fiber and nutrients compared to whole grain alternatives
- The sodium content may be high, depending on the amount of salt and Italian dressing used
While this dish does include some nutritious ingredients, the overall balance could be improved to make it a healthier meal.
To elevate the nutritional value of this recipe, consider the following tweaks:
- Swap white penne for whole wheat or legume-based pasta to increase fiber and protein content
- Reduce the amount of cheese used, or opt for lower-fat varieties to decrease the calorie and saturated fat content
- Use a light hand when adding salt, and choose a low-sodium Italian dressing to keep sodium levels in check
- Increase the vegetable content by adding spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the dish for extra vitamins, minerals, and fiber
- Use a combination of olive oil and vegetable broth to sauté the vegetables, reducing the overall fat content without compromising flavor
Editor's Take on This Classic Italian Dish
This penne pasta with tomato and mozzarella recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil adds a vibrant and aromatic touch to the dish. The addition of black olives brings a briny and savory element, balancing the overall flavor profile. The recipe is simple to prepare and offers a satisfying and comforting meal. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish. Overall, it's a delicious and well-balanced recipe that is sure to please any pasta lover.
Enhance Your Penne Tomato Mozzarella Pasta Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Pasta Recipes to Try
Appetizers and Desserts to Complement Penne Pasta With Tomato and Mozzarella
Why trust this Penne Tomato Mozzarella Pasta Recipe:
This recipe is a trusted classic, using fresh and flavorful ingredients. The penne pasta provides a hearty base, while the cherry tomatoes and black olives add bursts of vibrant flavor. The combination of mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese creates a rich and creamy texture, complemented by the aromatic basil and savory garlic. The use of olive oil and italian dressing enhances the dish with a delightful Mediterranean flair. With a balance of wholesome elements, this recipe promises a satisfying and delicious dining experience.
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