Pasta With Gorgonzola And Tomatoes
Creamy pasta with Gorgonzola and tomatoes offers a rich, cheesy flavor complemented by aromatic basil and garlic, perfect for comforting weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 to 2 garlic cloves, chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 4 to 6 oz. Gorgonzola cheese, softened
- 1 c. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 8 oz. package pasta (rotini or penne) ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/3 c. butter, softened ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until tender and translucent, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Add chopped garlic and sauté for a minute or two longer.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes (with liquid), dried basil, and sugar.
- Cook until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, mix softened Gorgonzola cheese and softened butter together until well blended.
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Drain the pasta well and return it to the pot.
- Stir the Gorgonzola and butter mixture into the tomato sauce.
- Add the sauce and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese to the pasta and mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with the remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese at the table.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream to the sauce or using a blend of Gorgonzola and another cheese like mozzarella. If you can't find Gorgonzola, Roquefort or another blue cheese can be a good substitute. Dried basil can be replaced with fresh basil for more vibrant flavor; use about three times the amount. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes featuring fresh vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta dish with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A light, crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the flavors beautifully. You can also sprinkle additional fresh herbs on top before serving for added freshness. This dish pairs wonderfully with Italian Cheese Cake for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the pasta to prevent it from drying out, then warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain flavor and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta With Gorgonzola And Tomatoes contains roughly 695 calories, with 7g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 857mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta dish vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is already vegetarian-friendly! Just ensure that any cheese you use is made without animal rennet. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to enhance the dish's nutrition and flavor. Explore more vegetarian recipes to find delightful variations.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
While rotini and penne are great choices due to their ability to hold sauce, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Just keep in mind that larger shapes like shells may hold more sauce, while long shapes like fettuccine may need more careful mixing. Experiment with different pasta shapes to find your favorite combination.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the tomato sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you're ready to serve, just reheat the sauce and combine it with freshly cooked pasta. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights or when entertaining guests.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).