Imagine a dish that captures the essence of summer in just one forkful - vibrant, fresh, and absolutely irresistible! This Penne with Summer Squash, Tomatoes, and Fresh Mozzarella is not just a recipe; it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a quick, gourmet meal, this Italian-inspired pasta will transport your taste buds straight to a sun-drenched Mediterranean kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 summer squash, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella, cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables. Wash summer squash and cut into small, uniform dice. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
- Add diced summer squash to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but still maintaining some crispness.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water. Return pasta to the pot.
- Add sautéed squash, halved cherry tomatoes, and cubed fresh mozzarella to the pasta. Gently toss to combine.
- If mixture seems dry, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to help create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Tear fresh basil leaves and sprinkle over the dish just before serving.
- Serve immediately while the mozzarella is still slightly melted and warm.
Tips
- Salt is your secret weapon - make sure your pasta water is well-seasoned for maximum flavor.
- Don't overcook the squash - you want it tender-crisp, not mushy.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining - it's liquid gold for creating a silky sauce.
- Use fresh mozzarella for the best melting texture and authentic taste.
- Tear basil leaves, don't chop them, to preserve their delicate flavor and aroma.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the mozzarella at its melty best.
- For extra richness, consider adding a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
