Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound linguini (or your favorite long noodle shape)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (+ more for garnish)
- 3 garlic cloves (finely chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes (or tomato puree)
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (+ more for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil drizzle
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguini and cook until it is 1 to 2 minutes less than the package directions indicate. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Sauté Garlic and Oregano: Heat a wide skillet over medium heat and drizzle in the olive oil. When the oil is shimmering, add the finely chopped garlic and dried oregano. Sauté for about 1 minute or until the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Tomato Elements: Stir in the tomato paste and crushed tomatoes (or pureed tomatoes). Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Rinse the tomato can halfway with water and add this water to the skillet, creating a thinner sauce base.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes on medium-low heat. This allows the flavors to meld and develop a richer taste.
- Incorporate Cheeses: Whisk the mascarpone cheese and grated Parmesan cheese into the tomato sauce until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the mascarpone tomato sauce. Toss well to coat every strand evenly. If the sauce feels too thick or dry, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve and Garnish: Divide the pasta among serving bowls. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, extra grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil leaves for a fresh, aromatic finish.
Notes
- Use good quality mascarpone and Parmesan for the creamiest sauce.
- Reserve pasta water carefully; the starch helps the sauce cling better to noodles.
- Adjust seasoning gradually throughout cooking to taste.
- If a spicier sauce is desired, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- This sauce pairs well with other pasta shapes like fettuccine or spaghetti.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian