Mottolina with Prosciutto and Mozzarella Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound Mottolina pasta
- 4 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, diced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander for draining pasta
- Large skillet for cooking sauce

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add Mottolina pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add thinly sliced prosciutto to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly crispy.
4. Add cooked Mottolina pasta to the skillet and toss with the prosciutto and garlic mixture.
5. Add diced fresh mozzarella to the skillet and stir until melted and evenly distributed.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Serve hot
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 550
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 24g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Mottolina pasta can be substituted with any other short pasta such as penne or fusilli.
- Prosciutto can be substituted with cooked bacon or pancetta.
- Fresh mozzarella can be substituted with shredded mozzarella or any other cheese that melts well.

Variations:
- Add diced tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
- Use different herbs such as parsley or oregano instead of basil.
- Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn't become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Don't overcook the prosciutto or it will become tough.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve in individual bowls or on a large platter for family-style dining.

Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves

Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it out.
- If the pasta is too dry, add more olive oil or a splash of white wine.

Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the pasta and prosciutto to the appropriate temperature to avoid foodborne illness.

Food history:
- Mottolina pasta is a type of short pasta that originated in Italy.

Flavor profiles:
- Salty, savory, and slightly spicy.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot as a main dish.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Salty, Rich, Creamy, Tangy