Creamy Tomato and Mozzarella Pasta

Creamy Tomato and Mozzarella Pasta is a perfect recipe for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something delicious and comforting but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. The combination of rich and creamy tomato sauce, salty bacon, and melted mozzarella cheese make for a flavor explosion in every bite. Plus, this recipe is easy to customize to your liking by adjusting the spice level or swapping out ingredients.

Why this recipe works

This recipe for creamy tomato and mozzarella pasta is a perfect combination of flavors, textures, and ingredients. The smoky bacon adds depth and richness, while the tangy tomato paste, creamy heavy cream, and salty parmesan cheese create a velvety and satisfying sauce. The rigatoni pasta has a tubular shape that holds onto the sauce and ensures every bite is flavorful. The fresh mozzarella cheese melts perfectly, giving a gooey and cheesy finish to the dish.

Creamy tomato mozzarella pasta is easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients that are easily accessible in most kitchens. The cooking time is also relatively short, making it perfect for busy weeknights. This dish is also versatile, allowing you to add your own spin by incorporating your favorite herbs, vegetables, or proteins.

What is Tomato and Mozzarella Pasta

Creamy tomato and mozzarella pasta is a popular American dish that is known for its creamy tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. This dish is a perfect combination of tangy tomato paste, heavy cream, garlic, and herbs, which creates a velvety and smooth sauce that coats the rigatoni pasta. The pasta is then topped with sliced mozzarella cheese, which is melted to perfection, giving the dish a rich and gooey texture.

Tomato and mozzarella pasta is super versatile – can be customized to suit your taste preferences. You can add your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers, to make the dish more nutritious. You can also add protein, such as chicken or shrimp, to make the dish more filling.

Best ingredients for Tomato Mozzarella Pasta

• Rigatoni pasta: The ridges and tubes of rigatoni pasta are perfect for holding onto the creamy tomato sauce, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.
• Smoked bacon: Adding smoked bacon to this dish adds a depth of flavor and richness that complements the tangy tomato sauce perfectly.
• Tomato paste: Tomato paste is the base of the sauce, providing a concentrated and intense tomato flavor.
• Heavy cream: Heavy cream adds a luscious and creamy texture to the sauce, making it velvety and satisfying.
• Fresh mozzarella: The creamy and stretchy mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey and cheesy finish to the dish.
• Garlic and onion: Garlic and onion add a savory and aromatic depth to the sauce, enhancing its flavor profile.
• Oregano, red pepper flakes, and black pepper: These seasonings add a touch of heat and depth to the dish, enhancing its overall flavor.
• Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty flavor to the dish, balancing out the richness of the sauce.
• Fresh basil: Adding fresh basil to the dish adds a bright and herbaceous flavor, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy sauce.

How to make Creamy Tomato Pasta

Please note: This is just an overview – the full ingredients and directions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 1: Fry the bacon

Cut the smoked bacon into chunks and fry them in a pan or skillet with cooking oil over medium heat until they turn golden brown. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the rigatoni pasta, reduce the heat to medium, and cook until al dente according to package directions.

Step 3: Make the tomato sauce

In a separate frying pan or skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add chopped garlic and onion and fry until softened. Then add oregano, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. Cook for about a minute and then add the heavy cream, bacon, and pasta water. Stir and simmer until slightly thickened, and then add grated parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Add the pasta and mozzarella cheese

Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the tomato sauce. Carefully combine the pasta with the sauce and add sliced mozzarella cheese. Simmer for a minute until the cheese starts melting.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

Divide the pasta into serving bowls and top with fresh basil. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Storing and freezing tips

I would not recommend freezing Creamy Tomato and Mozzarella Pasta. The creamy sauce may not freeze well and the texture of the pasta and the cheese may change after being frozen and reheated. This dish is best enjoyed fresh and warm, straight from the stove. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a little bit of water or cream to loosen up the sauce.

Top tips for the best Tomato Mozzarella Pasta

• Cook the pasta al dente: It’s important to cook the pasta until it’s al dente, which means it’s cooked through but still firm to the bite. This will ensure that the pasta has the perfect texture and won’t become too soft or mushy once combined with the sauce.
• Save some pasta water: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water before draining the pasta. The starchy water is a great addition to the sauce and helps to bind everything together.
• Use good quality ingredients: This recipe is relatively simple, but it’s important to use high-quality ingredients. Look for a good quality fresh mozzarella, use fresh garlic and onions, and choose a high-quality brand of tomato paste.
• Don’t skip the bacon: The smoked bacon adds a delicious smoky flavor to the dish and complements the other flavors in the sauce.
• Adjust the seasonings to your taste: Everyone’s taste buds are different, so feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you like your pasta spicy, add more red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of pepper flakes or black pepper.
• Let the mozzarella melt slowly: When adding the mozzarella cheese, be patient and let it melt slowly over low heat. This will help to create a creamy and cohesive sauce.

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