Tasty Rigatoni

I can suggest a recipe for preparing tasty rigatoni that will surprise your palate with a touch of originality and flavor.

Ingredients

• 320 g of rigatoni
• 250 g of cherry tomatoes
• 200 g of buffalo mozzarella (or regular mozzarella if preferred)
• 100 g of smoked pancetta in cubes
• 80 g of pitted black olives
• 2 cloves of garlic
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves
• Chili pepper (optional)
• Grated pecorino or parmesan (optional)

Preparation

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions, trying to keep them al dente.
2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, lightly sauté the garlic cloves in extra virgin olive oil. If you like a spicy touch, you can also add a piece of chili pepper.
3. Add the cubed pancetta and let it brown until it becomes crispy.
4. Remove the garlic and add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan. Lightly salt them and let them cook for about 5 minutes.
5. Add the black olives cut into rounds and cook for another 2 minutes.
6. Once cooked, drain the rigatoni and pour them into the pan with the sauce. Mix well to flavor the pasta.
7. Cut the mozzarella into cubes and add it only at the end, off the heat, so that it melts slightly with the heat of the rigatoni.
8. Adjust salt and pepper and, if desired, sprinkle with grated pecorino or parmesan.
9. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.

Curiosities

This recipe is a great balance between simple yet rich flavors. The combination of the sweet cherry tomato sauce, the smoky notes of the pancetta, and the freshness of the mozzarella creates a delicious contrast that makes the dish satisfying and rewarding. The brief cooking of the mozzarella allows you to enjoy its stringy softness without it breaking down too much in the dish.

It is a very versatile dish and you can also customize it by adding, for example, sautéed zucchini, artichokes or perhaps mushrooms, depending on what you prefer or have on hand.