Description
Jamie Oliver’s mascarpone pasta delivers creamy Italian comfort with elegant simplicity. Silky noodles embrace velvety cheese sauce, inviting you to savor each luxurious bite of Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 kilograms (3.3 pounds) tomatoes, halved
- 500 grams (17.6 ounces) penne pasta
- 125 grams (4.4 ounces) ball of mozzarella, torn
- 50 grams (1.8 ounces) parmesan, grated
Aromatics and Herbs:
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Small bunch of basil, chopped
Liquid and Oils:
- 4 tablespoons mascarpone cheese
- 300 milliliters (10.1 fluid ounces) vegetable stock
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 392°F (200°C), adjusting for fan settings at 356°F (180°C). Slice tomatoes in half and arrange them in a roasting dish, ensuring they are evenly spread.
- Drizzle balsamic vinegar generously over the tomatoes, sprinkle dried oregano, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Roast in the oven for approximately 60 minutes until the tomatoes are caramelized and slightly shrunken.
- In a large skillet, warm extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onions until they become translucent and soft, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 60 seconds, releasing its aromatic flavors without burning.
- Transfer the roasted tomatoes into the skillet, carefully adding vegetable stock. Reduce heat and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes, melding the flavors together.
- Incorporate mascarpone cheese into the sauce, using a hand blender to create a smooth, creamy consistency. Ensure no large chunks remain.
- Simultaneously, cook penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of cooking water.
- Combine the creamy tomato sauce with fresh torn basil leaves and cooked pasta, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to an oven-safe baking dish. Strategically place torn mozzarella pieces and sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top.
- Grill the dish for 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbly surface. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Capture the essence of comfort food with this foolproof pasta dish that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal.
- Make-ahead magic means you can prep most components earlier, reducing stress during dinner rush.
- Tube-shaped penne acts like delicious sauce-catching vessels, ensuring maximum flavor in every single bite.
- Layering multiple cheeses creates a golden, bubbling top that promises irresistible crispy edges and rich depth.
- Roasting tomatoes concentrates their natural sweetness, developing an intensely flavorful sauce base that elevates the entire dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: uk
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 415 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg