Description
This Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce combines the vibrant, tangy flavor of ripe tomatoes with the smooth, luscious texture of shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal). Easy to prepare in under 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients, this versatile sauce complements a variety of pastas and can be customized with herbs, spices, and additional veggies or proteins for a comforting and satisfying meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 4 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal)
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Variations
- Red pepper flakes or smoked paprika, to taste (for spicy kick)
- Plant-based cream or cashew cream (for vegan version instead of shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal))
- Oregano, thyme, rosemary (for herb medley)
- Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach (for extra veggies)
- Smoked turkey bacon or smoked turkey slices (for protein boost)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and garlic and cook until they become soft and translucent, building a flavorful base and mellowing the sharpness of the garlic while releasing the sweetness of the onion.
- Cook the Tomatoes: Add the chopped ripe tomatoes to the pan and stir occasionally. Let the tomatoes break down and release their juices to create a fresh, vibrant sauce. Stir in the apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavors and balance the natural sweetness.
- Blend and Simmer: Use an immersion blender directly in the pan or transfer the mixture to a regular blender and puree until smooth. Return the sauce to the stove and simmer gently, stirring occasionally to reduce and thicken slightly.
- Add Creaminess: Lower the heat to low and stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) until fully melted and incorporated, creating a luscious, creamy texture that coats pasta perfectly.
- Season and Finish: Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and chopped fresh basil leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Let the sauce simmer for another couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe, in-season tomatoes or high-quality canned tomatoes for optimal flavor and color.
- Simmer the sauce gently on low heat to develop depth without burning or bitterness.
- Add the shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) at low heat to prevent separation or curdling.
- If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a splash of pasta cooking water.
- Add fresh herbs at the end of cooking to retain their bright aroma and flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze sauce in portions for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently.
- Reheat on low heat and add a splash of water or plant-based milk if the sauce thickens too much during reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: creamy tomato sauce, tomato pasta sauce, quick pasta sauce, mozzarella pasta sauce, vegetarian pasta sauce, easy pasta sauce, Italian sauce