If you’re looking for a dish that combines the irresistible flavors of garlic, mozzarella, and fresh basil with the heartiness of pasta, then this Garlic Mozzarella Margherita Pasta is a must-try! Imagine digging into a creamy, cheesy pasta topped with melted mozzarella and bursting with the fresh, vibrant taste of tomatoes and basil. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish that brings a little piece of Italy straight to your kitchen. Trust me, you’re going to love it!
Why You’ll Love Garlic Mozzarella Margherita Pasta
This recipe is a perfect blend of comfort, freshness, and flavor. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or serving it up for a special occasion, it’s bound to impress. Here’s why this dish is a favorite:
Versatile: You can make it as a light lunch or a main course for dinner – it fits any occasion!
Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients like garlic, mozzarella, and pasta come together to create something truly delicious.
Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and steps, you can have this flavorful pasta ready in no time!
Customizable: Add extra veggies, more cheese, or even a protein like chicken or shrimp to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: Who can resist pasta with melty cheese and fresh herbs? This dish is a hit with both kids and adults!
Ingredients in Garlic Mozzarella Margherita Pasta
Here’s what you need to make this mouthwatering pasta:
Pasta: Spaghetti, penne, or fusilli – use your favorite pasta for the perfect base.
Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella is the key to that gooey, creamy texture that makes this dish special.
Garlic: Minced garlic gives the pasta a savory, aromatic kick.
Olive Oil: To sauté the garlic and add richness to the sauce.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes add a burst of freshness and color.
Fresh Basil: For that fragrant, herby note that completes the Margherita flavor profile.
Parmesan: A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan adds depth and enhances the cheesy goodness.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, bringing all the flavors together beautifully.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this cheesy, garlicky masterpiece:
Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the pasta according to the package directions. Make sure to salt the water well for extra flavor. Once cooked, reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
Cook the Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they soften and start to release their juices. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.
Make the Sauce: Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to the skillet, and stir to create a light sauce. You can add more pasta water if you prefer a saucier consistency.
Combine Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together so the pasta is coated with the garlic-tomato sauce. Then, add the fresh mozzarella, allowing it to melt and become gooey and creamy.
Season to Taste: Season with salt and pepper, and toss in fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
Serve and Enjoy: Plate the pasta and sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan and extra basil if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting goodness of this dish!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Garlic Mozzarella Margherita Pasta
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and drinks. Here are a few serving suggestions to make your meal complete:
– Serve with a side of garlic bread for an extra hit of flavor.
– A fresh green salad with a balsamic vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta perfectly.
– Pair with a light white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, for a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
– You can also serve it as a main dish alongside grilled vegetables for a balanced meal.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
– Fresh mozzarella is key – it melts beautifully and gives the dish that authentic Margherita feel.
– If you prefer a bit more acidity, add a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top before serving.
– Feel free to add a protein, like grilled chicken or shrimp, to make this a more hearty meal.
– If you like your pasta extra cheesy, don’t be afraid to throw in a bit more mozzarella or a handful of shredded cheese.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil gives the best flavor, but you can substitute dried basil if necessary. Just use about one-third of the amount.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any pasta you love works well with this recipe, from penne to fusilli to farfalle.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
This pasta is best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
4. What can I add to make it spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to bring some heat to the dish.
5. Can I make this without cheese?
While the cheese is a major part of the dish, you can skip it if you prefer a dairy-free version, though it will change the flavor and texture.
6. How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?
Make sure to add the cheese when the pasta is hot and stir quickly to help it melt evenly.
7. Can I use store-bought mozzarella instead of fresh?
Fresh mozzarella provides the best texture, but you can use shredded mozzarella as a substitute if necessary.
8. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
9. Can I freeze this dish?
While pasta dishes can be frozen, the mozzarella may not have the same creamy texture when reheated. If you plan to freeze it, make sure to store it in an airtight container.
10. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can add roasted zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers for a veggie boost.
Conclusion
This Garlic Mozzarella Margherita Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that combines all the best flavors of Italy – creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and a hint of garlic, all tangled up in your favorite pasta. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to be a hit at your table. So go ahead, indulge in this cheesy goodness, and enjoy every bite of this irresistible dish!
Print
Garlic Mozzarella Margherita Pasta
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A deliciously creamy pasta dish featuring garlic-infused olive oil, fresh mozzarella, and ripe tomatoes. This Margherita-inspired pasta is quick to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into small pieces
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 3–4 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
- Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the skillet with the tomatoes and toss to coat. If the pasta seems dry, add some of the reserved pasta water to help create a sauce.
- Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil and mozzarella cheese. Toss until the cheese begins to melt and everything is well combined.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice (optional) for extra brightness.
- Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- For a creamier version, add a splash of heavy cream to the skillet along with the pasta.
- Use a mix of different tomatoes (e.g., heirloom) for a more colorful and flavorful dish.
- Can be served with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg