Penne With Two Tomatoes And Mozzarella Recipes

PENNE WITH FRESH TOMATOES, BASIL, AND FRESH MOZZARELLA

Steps:

• Put a large pot of salted water on for the pasta. Meanwhile, prepare your sauce. In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup of the olive oil. Add the garlic and cook until just fragrant, about 1 minute or less. Add the tomatoes and cook them for 3 to 5 minutes, just until they begin to release some of their juice.
• Cook the pasta in the pot of salted boiling water for 12 to 13 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta. Add the pasta and basil to the pan with the tomatoes and toss. Season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Serve the pasta in bowls, equally distribute the fresh mozzarella and grated Parmesan between the bowls. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the bowls of pasta and serve immediately.

PENNE WITH BABY MOZZARELLA, TOMATOES, AND HERBS

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of cold water to a boil over high heat, then salt it generously, add the pasta, and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain.
• Meanwhile, strip the leaves from the oregano and thyme sprigs. Chop them together with the garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and the pepper, and then use the flat side of the knife to mash and smear the mixture to a coarse paste. Put in a bowl, along with the cheese, olive oil and toss to coat the cheese with the herb paste.
• Cut the tomatoes into pieces about the same size as the cheese. Gently fold the tomatoes, parsley, and olives in with the cheese. Add the drained pasta and toss, then drizzle over a bit of olive oil and toss again. Serve now or room temperature.

PENNE WITH NO-COOK TOMATO SAUCE AND MOZZARELLA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Combine the tomatoes, 2 tablespoons olive oil, the vinegar, garlic, basil sprig, oregano, 3/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a large bowl. Let stand, tossing occasionally, until very juicy, 10 to 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, add the penne to the boiling water and cook as the label directs for al dente. Drain and add the warm pasta to the tomato mixture; toss well. Let stand, tossing occasionally, until the pasta has absorbed some of the tomato juices, 10 to 15 minutes.
• Discard the garlic and basil sprig and stir the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil into the pasta; season with salt and pepper. Stir in the mozzarella balls and chopped basil. Divide the pasta among bowls. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, if desired.

PENNE, TOMATO, AND MOZZARELLA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water as directed on package, until just tender. Drain, and set aside.
• Heat olive oil in a small saucepan. Add green onions and cook, stirring occasionally, 2 or 3 minutes. Stir in garlic, and cook for 2 minutes. Add pasta, tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Cook over low heat to warm through. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Coarsely tear basil leaves in halves or thirds; add to pasta with olives, and serve immediately.