Tomato and Basil Farfalle (30 Minutes)

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Here is a delightful and flavorful pasta dish that brings together the freshness of ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy mozzarella pearls.

This recipe is a delicious twist on the classic Farfalle with Tomato and Basil, adding a creamy and cheesy element. With its vibrant colors and harmonious flavors, this dish is sure to please!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 8 ounces farfalle pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes or equal amount of fresh cherry tomatoes
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 cup mozzarella pearls
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the farfalle pasta according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the tomatoes, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Add the cooked farfalle pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  5. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped basil and mozzarella pearls. The residual heat will melt the mozzarella slightly, creating a creamy and cheesy texture.

Notes

Since this recipe relies on the simplicity and freshness of the ingredients, it’s important to choose high-quality tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and fresh mozzarella pearls. Once you’ve added the cooked pasta to the skillet, let it simmer in the sauce for a couple of minutes. This allows the pasta to absorb the flavors of the sauce and ensures each bite is well-coated and flavorful. For the best taste and texture, serve this dish immediately after cooking. The mozzarella pearls will be slightly melted, creating a creamy and delicious sauce. Delaying the serving time may cause the cheese to become too stringy or lose its creamy texture. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 395
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 393mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 17g
  • Cholesterol: 22mg

Pair this with...

Fresh Mixed Greens Salad

Start with a base of mixed greens, combining varieties like arugula, spinach, romaine, or any leafy greens you love. Slice up a handful of cherry tomatoes for a burst of juiciness. Next, peel and shave or thinly slice a carrot for a sweet and crunchy addition. Now, here's where you get to be creative. Raid your fridge for veggies – maybe some leftover bell peppers, slices of cucumber, or even some steamed broccoli or green beans. Toss them all into your salad. Drizzle with your favorite vinaigrette or dressing, give it a good mix, and you've got a vibrant, crunchy, and fresh salad that goes well with just about any meal.

Garlic Breadsticks

To whip up a batch of garlic breadsticks, start with a basic dough mixture of flour, water, yeast, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Knead until smooth and let it rise until doubled. Once risen, divide the dough into even portions and roll each into the classic breadstick shape. Place them on a baking sheet with a little space in between. While they take a short rest, melt some butter and mix in minced garlic, a touch of salt, and perhaps some chopped parsley for a fresh twist. Brush this delightful garlic butter mixture over the top of each breadstick. Pop them into a preheated oven and bake until they're golden brown and emit that irresistible garlic aroma. Once out of the oven, give them another quick brush with the remaining garlic butter for good measure.

Parmesan and Lemon Broccolini

Start with fresh broccolini, ensuring they're cleaned and trimmed. Lay them out on a baking sheet, so they've got some space to get nice and crispy. Drizzle with olive oil, letting it coat each stalk with a shiny gloss. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the broccolini, ensuring each piece gets its fair share of cheesy goodness. Into a preheated oven they go, roasting until they're tender with crispy, golden edges. Just before serving, zest a lemon over the top, adding a bright, zingy contrast to the savory Parmesan. Perhaps a squeeze of fresh lemon juice too, for an extra kick.

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