If you’re a fan of comfort food, there’s nothing quite like the combination of mozzarella cheese and pasta to create a deliciously satisfying dish. The gooey, melty cheese paired with perfectly cooked pasta is a match made in culinary heaven. In this recipe, we’ll be exploring various ways to incorporate mozzarella cheese into pasta dishes that are sure to become staples in your kitchen. From classic spaghetti to creamy baked pasta, these recipes with mozzarella cheese and pasta will quickly become family favorites.
**Recipes With Mozzarella Cheese And Pasta**
*Ingredients:*
– 1 pound pasta of your choice (spaghetti, penne, or fusilli work well)
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 can of crushed tomatoes
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Olive oil
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
*Instructions:*
1. **Classic Spaghetti with Mozzarella:**
– Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
– In a separate pan, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
– Add the crushed tomatoes and dried oregano to the pan. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
– Toss the cooked pasta with the tomato sauce and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese until well combined.
– Transfer the pasta to a baking dish, top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F until bubbly and golden.
– Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
2. **Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs with Pasta:**
– Prepare your favorite meatball mixture and form small meatballs with a cube of mozzarella cheese inside.
– Brown the meatballs in a skillet until cooked through.
– In a separate pot, cook the pasta until al dente.
– Combine the cooked pasta with marinara sauce and top with the mozzarella-stuffed meatballs.
– Cover the pot and let the cheese melt into the sauce for a few minutes.
– Serve the meatballs and pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil.
3. **Baked Mozzarella and Spinach Pasta:**
– Cook the pasta until al dente and set aside.
– In a saucepan, wilt fresh spinach with garlic and olive oil.
– Mix the spinach with the cooked pasta and half of the mozzarella cheese.
– Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella.
– Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
– Serve hot, garnished with basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
4. **Mozzarella and Tomato Pasta Salad:**
– Cook your preferred pasta shape and rinse under cold water to cool.
– In a mixing bowl, combine the pasta with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese balls, and fresh basil leaves.
– Drizzle with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice.
– Season with salt and pepper, tossing gently to combine all the ingredients.
– Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Get creative with these recipes and feel free to customize them to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic spaghetti dish or a refreshing pasta salad, mozzarella cheese is a versatile ingredient that can elevate any pasta creation. Enjoy these comforting and delicious meals with your loved ones for a cozy dining experience.
