I’ve recently stumbled upon a very simple yet delicious recipe that I am excited to share with you. 

You’ll love this if you’re a real fan of Italian cuisine like me. It’s a classic pasta dish, penne al telefono – both comforting and irresistible.

‍”Pasta al Telefono” translates to “telephone pasta.” It’s called so because the mozzarella in the dish, when melted, starts to stretch, reminding one of the telephone wires from the good old days. 

Fascinating, right?

This highly versatile pasta dish can be paired with any pasta type. But, since we’ve already got this stretchy cheese, using something like spaghetti or tagliatelle might be too indulgent. 

So, I’ve opted for the delightful penne pasta, around which the mozzarella stretches in a most appetizing manner.

Here’s what you need to recreate this masterpiece at home:‍

Ingredients:
  • Penne pasta
  • One or two cans of tomato passata
  • A clove of garlic
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves
  • A ball of mozzarella 
  • Salt, pepper, and oil

Here's how to do it:

First, cook your penne pasta al dente, true Italian style.

Next, heat some oil in a pan and fry chopped garlic until it’s golden and fragrant. To this, add your tomato passata. Then, it’s time to season your sauce with some salt, ground pepper, and torn basil leaves. Save a few for garnishing later.

While your sauce is simmering away, chop up your mozzarella and add it to the pan. As it melts into the sauce, get ready to add your cooked pasta and give it a good stir. 

There you have it; your stretchy and delicious penne al telefono is ready!