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15 Minute Tomato and Mascarpone Pasta Recipe

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4 from 4 reviews

A quick and easy 15-minute pasta recipe featuring fresh diced tomatoes and ultra creamy mascarpone cheese. This delicious linguine dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, bringing together a chunky tomato sauce, fragrant garlic, Italian herbs, and fresh basil to create a luscious, creamy meal that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 250 g (~9 oz) linguine pasta
  • 1 tbsp oil

Tomato Sauce

  • 500 g (~1 lb) good quality tomatoes, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried Italian mixed herbs
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional)
  • Few sprigs fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tbsp mascarpone cheese

To Serve

  • Vegetarian parmesan-style cheese, finely grated (optional)

Instructions

  1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the linguine pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced tomatoes and minced garlic. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down into a chunky sauce.
  3. Season the Sauce: Stir in the dried Italian mixed herbs, salt, black pepper, and optional sugar to balance the acidity. Add the chopped fresh basil and the mascarpone cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and glossy.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the pan with the tomato and mascarpone sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
  5. Serve: Serve the pasta hot, topped with optional vegetarian parmesan-style cheese for an extra cheesy finish.

Notes

  • Use ripe, good quality tomatoes for the best flavor in the sauce.
  • The sugar is optional but can help balance the acidity of the tomatoes if desired.
  • This recipe can easily be doubled or halved to suit your serving needs.
  • If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can lightly crush the tomatoes while cooking or blend partially before adding mascarpone.
  • Parmesan-style cheese is optional and suitable for vegetarians who avoid animal rennet.