Fusilli with No-Cook Fresh Tomato & Mozzarella Sauce
Description: 🍅🧀 This delightful recipe, originally from Bon Appetit Magazine, encapsulates the essence of summer with its vibrant flavors and simplicity. Made with ripe plum tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil, this dish is a celebration of seasonal produce. It’s not only easy to prepare but also incredibly healthy, making it a favorite among family and friends. While the original recipe suggests 6 tablespoons of olive oil, feel free to adjust to your taste preferences. The key to unlocking the full potential of this dish lies in allowing the flavors of the tomato sauce to marinate, so be sure not to rush this step. Get ready to indulge in a symphony of flavors with every bite!
Ingredients:
- 1 plum tomato
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
- 3-4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
- Rotelle pasta
- 12 pine nuts
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 443.2
- Fat: 20.1g
- Saturated Fat: 6.4g
- Cholesterol: 29.9mg
- Sodium: 246.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 48.4g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4.9g
- Protein: 17.5g
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Begin by dicing the plum tomato and mozzarella cheese into 1/2-inch pieces and place them in a medium bowl. |
| 2 | Add in the fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic cloves, and dried red pepper flakes to the bowl. |
| 3 | Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring all ingredients are well combined. |
| 4 | Allow the mixture to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. |
| 5 | Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotelle pasta according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 9 minutes. |
| 6 | Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and return it to the same pot. |
| 7 | Add the tomato and cheese mixture to the pot with the pasta, tossing everything together over low heat until the cheese begins to melt and coat the pasta evenly. |
| 8 | Transfer the dressed pasta to a serving platter or a large bowl. |
| 9 | Sprinkle the pasta with pine nuts for added texture and flavor. |
| 10 | Garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves if desired, adding a pop of color and freshness. |
| 11 | Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors in every mouthful! |
Recipe Notes:
- Feel free to adjust the amount of olive oil according to your preference. You can start with less and add more if desired.
- For an extra kick of heat, increase the amount of dried red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
