Imagine a sauce so creamy, so vibrant, and so irresistibly delicious that it transforms an ordinary meal into a gourmet experience. Mandy's Tomato Basil Mascarpone Sauce is not just another recipe—it's a culinary journey that brings the rich flavors of Italy straight to your kitchen in just 30 minutes. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a cooking novice, this incredibly easy and luxurious sauce will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Halve the cherry tomatoes and chop the fresh basil. Mince the garlic cloves. Set everything aside for easy access during cooking.
- In a medium-sized skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about 1-2 minutes until it shimmers slightly.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant and slightly golden.
- Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the garlic and olive oil. Cook the tomatoes for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and release their juices.
- Once the tomatoes are softened, reduce the heat to low. Add the mascarpone cheese to the skillet. Stir gently to combine the cheese with the tomatoes, creating a creamy sauce. Allow the mixture to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- As the sauce thickens, season it with salt and pepper to taste. Remember to taste the sauce as you season to achieve your desired flavor.
- After seasoning, fold in the chopped fresh basil, stirring gently to incorporate it into the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the basil to wilt slightly and release its flavor.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Your Tomato Basil Mascarpone Sauce is now ready to serve. It pairs beautifully with pasta, grilled chicken, or can be used as a dip for crusty bread.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade Italian sauce, garnished with extra basil if desired!
Tips
- Choose ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for the best flavor intensity. Look for tomatoes that are firm but have a slight give when gently pressed.
- Use fresh basil if possible—the difference in flavor is remarkable compared to dried herbs. If you can't find fresh basil, you can substitute with dried basil, but use about 1/3 the amount.
- Control your heat carefully when sautéing garlic to prevent burning. Medium-low heat is your friend here.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of white wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the tomatoes.
- This sauce is incredibly versatile—try it with pasta, as a pizza sauce, or even as a dip for crusty bread.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it with a little pasta water or additional olive oil.
- For a more rustic presentation, leave some tomato chunks intact instead of completely breaking them down.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 199kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 30mg
