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Snail-shaped Pasta with Stelvio Cheese and Tomato

17/11/2023

Snail-shaped pasta with Stelvio cheese and tomato is a dish that draws inspiration from the Italian tradition of pairing pasta with cheese. Stelvio cheese, or Stilfser in German, is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) cheese typical of South Tyrol, famous for its full taste with a slightly spicy edge.

Ingredients

  • 350 g of snail-shaped pasta (or another desired short pasta)
  • 200 g of Stelvio cheese
  • 400 g of peeled tomatoes or tomato passata
  • 1 small onion
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
  • Fresh basil to taste
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Preparation

  1. Start by finely chopping the onion and garlic clove.

  2. In a large pan, heat up the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat and add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing them until they become transparent and fragrant.

  3. Add the peeled tomatoes (crushing them if whole) or tomato passata. Season with salt and pepper and let cook on medium-low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  4. In the meantime, cook the snail-shaped pasta in a pot of salted water according to the instructions on the package, until it reaches your desired level of doneness.

  5. While the pasta is cooking and the sauce is simmering, grate the Stelvio cheese.

  6. Drain the pasta and reserve some of the cooking water.

  7. Transfer the pasta to the pan with the tomato sauce and add the grated Stelvio cheese, mixing well to melt the cheese and combine everything. If the mixture seems too thick, add some of the pasta’s cooking water to make it creamy.

  8. Turn off the heat and add the torn or whole fresh basil leaves, depending on your preference.

  9. Serve immediately with a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired, for an extra touch of flavor.

Curiosity

Stelvio cheese is produced following traditional methods and owes its name to the valley where it is made. It is a cheese that pairs wonderfully with pasta for its ability to melt and for its strong taste that goes well with the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Snail-shaped Pasta with Stelvio Cheese and Tomato