Name: The 4-Ingredient, 25-Minute Italian Pasta My Family Can’t Get Enough Of
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Kosher salt, for the pasta water; 12 ounces fusilli corti bucati or fusilli pasta (about 3 cups); 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 6 medium cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional, plus more for garnish; 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce, such as Rao’s; 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/4-inch cubes; Sliced fresh basil, optional

Ingredients

4 serv.

Kosher salt, for the pasta water
12 ounces fusilli corti bucati or fusilli pasta (about 3 cups)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
6 medium cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional, plus more for garnish
1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce, such as Rao’s
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
Sliced fresh basil, optional

Instructions

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1 Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package directions, about 10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water and drain the pasta.
2 While the pasta cooks, make the sauce. In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the oil, garlic, black pepper, and red pepper, if using. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic begins to brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and the flavors meld, about 5 minutes.
3 Add the drained pasta and reserved cooking water to the skillet with the sauce and cook, stirring and tossing constantly, until the pasta is tender and the sauce coats pasta, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the mozzarella cubes just until evenly distributed. Stop stirring when cheese starts to melt. Divide the pasta evenly among 4 bowls, garnish with basil and additional red pepper, if using, and serve immediately. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Love the recipe? Leave us stars and a comment below!