1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta cooking water, and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Pour the Neapolitan sauce into the skillet and bring it to a simmer.
- Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together, stirring occasionally.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the Neapolitan sauce.
- Toss the pasta in the sauce until it is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up.
- Season the pasta with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
4. Add Mozzarella and Basil:
- Sprinkle the diced or torn mozzarella cheese over the pasta in the skillet.
- Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently, until the mozzarella begins to melt and become gooey.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and add the torn or chopped fresh basil leaves, stirring to distribute them throughout the pasta.
5. Serve:
- Transfer the pasta with Neapolitan sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil to serving plates or bowls.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired, and additional fresh basil leaves.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious pasta creation!
Tips:
- Feel free to customize this dish by adding cooked protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage.
- You can use any shape of pasta you prefer for this recipe, but long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine works particularly well.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a hint of heat.
- Fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the flavor of your dish, so use the best tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil you can find.
Enjoy this pasta with Neapolitan sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil as a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to please your taste buds!