Summer Pasta (Pasta D'Estate)

This is an easy Summer Tomato Mozzarella and Basil Pasta dish that is amazing when cherry tomatoes are in season and doesn't take long to make.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main

Cuisine Italian

Servings servings

Calories 522 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti, linguine or bucatini
4 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to your preferred heat level, or leave them out if you don't like spicy food)
1 pint cherry tomatoes sliced in half
8 oz fresh mozzarella balls sliced in half (the cherry tomato-sized ones in water are perfect - ciliegine)
10 large basil leaves torn or gently sliced in ribbons (julienned)
3 tablespoon Parmesan freshly grated
1 teaspoon sea salt

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Instructions

COOK THE PASTA

Cook the pasta in salted water (2 tablespoon of salt for 6-8oz of water). Follow the package directions but cook for 1 minute less than the package says for al dente.
8 oz fettuccine
Meanwhile, preheat a large skillet on medium heat.
Add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in the preheated skillet, then add the crushed red pepper flakes and allow them to infuse in the oil for about 1 minute.
2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Once pasta is just below al dente, remove pasta from water and transfer to the skillet with the oil and red pepper flakes. Add a few tablespoons of the pasta cooking water to the pan with the pasta. Stir frequently to coat the pasta completely.
Add tomatoes and heat through on medium-low heat for about 2 minutes. The pasta should be perfectly al dente at this point.
1 pint cherry tomatoes

Finish the Dish

Remove from heat after tomatoes have heated through and add the mozzarella, basil, remaining 3 tablespoon of high quality extra virgin olive oil, freshly grated parmesan cheese, and salt directly to the pan and toss to combine. Immediately transfer to a serving bowl or plates and serve.
8 oz fresh mozzarella balls, 10 large basil leaves, 3 tablespoon Parmesan, 1 teaspoon sea salt

Nutrition

Calories: 522kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 21gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 71mgSodium: 723mgPotassium: 422mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 992IUVitamin C: 27mgCalcium: 285mgIron: 2mg

Keyword 30 minute meals, basil, cherry tomatoes, classic Italian pasta, easy pasta, mozzarella, quick and easy

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