Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Stracchino

I can provide you with a basic recipe for Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Stracchino and also recommend an Italian touch to make the dish truly special.

Ingredients

• 320 grams of pasta (such as penne or spaghetti)
• 250 grams of stracchino cheese
• 400 grams of cherry tomatoes
• 1 clove of garlic
• Fresh basil to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Once boiling, cook the pasta according to the package instructions to get the desired doneness (al dente is the typically Italian way to enjoy it).
2. Meanwhile, in a large pan, heat some extra virgin olive oil and lightly fry a whole clove of garlic to flavor the oil. Remove the garlic as soon as it becomes golden.
3. Add the previously washed and halved cherry tomatoes to the pan and cook over medium heat for about 5-10 minutes, until they start to soften and release their juices. If you wish, you can add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
4. Drain the pasta al dente and save some of the cooking water.
5. Transfer the pasta to the pan with the tomatoes, add some cooking water to achieve a creamy consistency, and mix well.
6. Lower the heat and add the stracchino cheese in pieces, letting it melt gently into the pasta, stirring until a smooth cream is obtained.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste and add hand-torn fresh basil leaves to best preserve the aroma.
8. Serve the pasta hot, with a drizzle of raw extra virgin olive oil and, if you like, a sprinkling of freshly ground pepper or chili pepper.

Curiosity

Stracchino, also known as crescenza, is a soft and creamy cheese typical of Lombardy. It is loved for its delicateness and easy melting, making it perfect for creamy pasta recipes like this one.

For an all-Italian touch, consider pairing this pasta with a light and fruity white wine, like a Pinot Grigio or Trebbiano. Buon appetito!