Irresistible Baked Rosé Pasta with Mozzarella Delight

Baked Rosé Pasta with Mozzarella is a dish that invites you into a cozy embrace of flavors, where creamy sauce meets perfectly cooked pasta in a heavenly union. Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen, a warm hug of tomatoes and garlic mingling in the air, making it impossible to resist.

Now picture this: a Saturday evening, friends gathered around the table, laughter echoing, and the moment you unveil this stunning pasta dish, their eyes widen in awe. Trust me, it’s a sight to behold and a flavor explosion waiting to happen.

Every time I make this dish for my friends, their reactions are priceless – it’s like I’ve just handed them the secret to happiness.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fusilli Pasta: The spirals hold onto sauce beautifully; choose whole wheat for extra nutrients.

• Olive Oil: A splash of high-quality olive oil enhances richness; don’t skimp on flavor.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; they add an aromatic punch that makes everything better.

• Canned Diced Tomatoes: Opt for no-salt-added varieties; they provide sweetness without overloading on sodium.

• Heavy Cream: This adds creaminess; use full-fat for indulgence or substitute with half-and-half if desired.

• Fresh Basil: Sweet and fragrant basil brightens up the dish; chop it just before serving for maximum freshness.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Use fresh mozzarella balls for that gooey stretchiness when melted; it’s an absolute game changer!

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh parmesan on top right before serving; it adds a salty kick that elevates the dish.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors; adjust to taste throughout cooking.

• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat, sprinkle these in for an exciting kick!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Baked Rosé Pasta with Mozzarella

Preheat Your Oven and Cook the Pasta: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the fusilli until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside.

Sauté Garlic and Add Tomatoes: In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in canned diced tomatoes along with their juices and stir well.

Create Your Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat slightly and stir in heavy cream while seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Add Pasta and Bake It All Together!: Fold cooked fusilli into the sauce until every noodle is coated lovingly. Transfer everything into a greased baking dish and top generously with torn mozzarella pieces and grated parmesan.

Bake Until Golden and Delicious!: Pop your baking dish into the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. The aroma will be so good that you’ll have trouble waiting!

Garnish Before Serving!: Once baked to perfection, remove from oven and let sit briefly. Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the top before diving in—your taste buds will thank you!

This Baked Rosé Pasta with Mozzarella is not just food; it’s an experience filled with warmth and comfort. Prepare yourself for some serious compliments as you serve this delightful creation!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling your pasta until al dente. While it’s cooking, sauté onions and garlic in a separate pan. Then, combine everything with your tomato sauce and cream before adding the mozzarella. This sequence ensures each component is perfectly cooked and melds together beautifully.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the mozzarella for burrata for an even creamier experience. You can also toss in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor. Experimenting with different herbs like basil or oregano can elevate the dish further.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or cream to keep the pasta moist and prevent it from drying out in the oven.

Sharing a meal featuring this Baked Rosé Pasta reminds me of my best friend’s birthday last year; we enjoyed every cheesy bite while laughing about our kitchen catastrophes.

FAQ

What type of pasta is best for Baked Rosé Pasta with Mozzarella?

For this recipe, a short pasta like penne or rigatoni works best as it captures the sauce perfectly. Their shapes allow them to hold onto both the creamy rosé sauce and chunks of mozzarella, creating a delightful burst of flavors in every bite.

Can I make Baked Rosé Pasta with Mozzarella ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to your baking time if you bake it straight from the fridge.

Is there a vegetarian option for Baked Rosé Pasta?

Yes! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth when preparing your sauce, and load up on veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant to add flavor without meat!

How do I know when my pasta is done cooking?

Pasta should be cooked al dente, meaning it should have a slight bite when you chew it. To test this, taste a piece just before draining; if it’s firm yet tender, you’re good to go!

Conclusion for Baked Rosé Pasta with Mozzarella

Baked Rosé Pasta with Mozzarella is an easy yet impressive dish perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a family favorite! Remember to customize it to your liking and enjoy every cheesy bite while sharing stories around the table!

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Baked Rosé Pasta with Mozzarella

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Baked Rosé Pasta with Mozzarella is a delightful dish that combines creamy tomato sauce with perfectly cooked fusilli for a comforting meal. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an impressive culinary experience, making it perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining guests. With its gooey mozzarella and fresh basil topping, this pasta dish is sure to wow your friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz fusilli pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 oz canned diced tomatoes (no-salt-added)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook fusilli in salted boiling water until al dente; drain.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant, then add diced tomatoes and simmer.
3. Stir in heavy cream, seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
4. Combine cooked pasta with the sauce and transfer to a greased baking dish. Top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (220g)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 380mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For extra creaminess, substitute mozzarella with burrata. Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added nutrition. Make ahead of time; just refrigerate and bake when ready.