Mozzarella-Less Farfalle

Mozzarella-less Farfalle is a simple and tasty dish that can be prepared in very little time. Here is the recipe to prepare this delicious first course.

Ingredients

• 350 g of farfalle (butterfly-shaped pasta)
• 250 g of mozzarella
• 200 g of cherry tomatoes
• Fresh basil to taste
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• (Optional) Parmesan shavings for garnish

Preparation

1. Bring a pot of generously salted water to a boil and cook the farfalle according to the package instructions for al dente.
2. In the meantime, dice the mozzarella and let it drain in a colander.
3. Wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half or quarters, depending on your preference.
4. In a pan, lightly sauté the garlic cloves in the extra virgin olive oil, then remove them as soon as they are golden to avoid an overly strong garlic flavor.
5. Add the cherry tomatoes to the pan and let them cook for a few minutes, until they start to create a light sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Drain the al dente farfalle and pour them into the pan with the cherry tomato sauce. Toss the pasta in the pan for a minute to flavor it, adding a bit of cooking water if necessary to emulsify.
7. Turn off the heat and add the diced mozzarella, stirring well to start melting it with the heat of the pasta.
8. Add the fresh basil leaves, torn by hand to keep their aroma intact.
9. Serve the Mozzarella-Less Farfalle immediately with a sprinkle of ground black pepper and, if desired, Parmesan shavings.

Curiosity

The name “Mozzarella-Less Farfalle” plays with the double “l” and suggests the idea of a pasta rich in stringy mozzarella. Such a dish, simple and substantial, is perfect for a summer lunch or as a quick but filling meal. Mozzarella, which is at the heart of Italian cuisine, is enhanced in this recipe by the freshness of basil and the sweetness of the cherry tomatoes, creating a perfect combination.

Enjoy your meal!