Pasta alla Caprese Recipe

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Pasta alla Caprese

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Equipment Needed: Large pot, colander, mixing bowl, chef’s knife, cutting board, wooden spoon

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• 8 oz 225 g pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fusilli work well)
• 1 cup 150 g cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz 225 g fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1/4 cup 60 ml extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves torn or julienned
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 clove garlic minced (for extra flavor)

Instructions

 

• Method: Step-by-Step
• Cook the Pasta
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
• Prepare the Tomatoes and Mozzarella
• While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes and cut the mozzarella into small, bite-sized cubes.
• If using garlic, finely mince it.
• Combine Ingredients
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes, mozzarella cubes, and olive oil.
• Season with salt, pepper, and optional minced garlic. Gently toss everything together to coat the ingredients evenly in olive oil.
• Add Pasta to the Mixture
• Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the bowl with the tomato and mozzarella mixture.
• Gently toss, adding a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce if needed. This will help the ingredients meld together and lightly coat the pasta.
• Add Fresh Basil
• Add the torn basil leaves and give the dish one final toss to mix everything together.
• Let the Flavors Meld
• Allow the dish to stand for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time lets the flavors develop, and the mozzarella will begin to soften slightly.
• Serving
• Serve Pasta alla Caprese warm or at room temperature. This dish is perfect on its own as a light meal or can be paired with a simple side salad or crusty bread for a complete Italian-inspired dinner.

Keyword Pasta, Pasta alla Caprese

From my own personal experience, Pasta alla Caprese is a delightful, refreshing dish that combines the vibrant flavors of tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, bringing the taste of Italy right to your table. Let me show you how I make this iconic Italian dish that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

What to Expect

From my overall experience, Pasta alla Caprese is one of the simplest Italian recipes that packs a surprising depth of flavor. The olive oil lightly coats the pasta, while the fresh tomatoes and mozzarella add bursts of freshness and creaminess. The torn basil adds a fragrant finish, making each bite reminiscent of a classic Caprese salad.

When served slightly warm, the mozzarella becomes beautifully soft, and the flavors marry together for a satisfying bite. The dish is versatile, so feel free to add more basil or tomatoes based on your preference. The light, fresh taste makes it a great option for warmer months or a quick, light meal anytime.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Time to Stand: 5 minutes (for flavors to meld)
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy (beginner-friendly)
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~420 per serving
• Cost of Ingredients: Moderate
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main
• Equipment Needed: Large pot, colander, mixing bowl, chef’s knife, cutting board, wooden spoon
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Pasta alla Caprese  now.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fusilli work well)
• 1 cup (150 g) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or julienned
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1 clove garlic, minced (for extra flavor)
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Pasta alla Caprese  now.

Method: Step-by-Step

1. Cook the Pasta
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
   • Reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Tomatoes and Mozzarella
   • While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes and cut the mozzarella into small, bite-sized cubes.
   • If using garlic, finely mince it.
3. Combine Ingredients
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes, mozzarella cubes, and olive oil.
   • Season with salt, pepper, and optional minced garlic. Gently toss everything together to coat the ingredients evenly in olive oil.
4. Add Pasta to the Mixture
   • Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the bowl with the tomato and mozzarella mixture.
   • Gently toss, adding a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce if needed. This will help the ingredients meld together and lightly coat the pasta.
5. Add Fresh Basil
   • Add the torn basil leaves and give the dish one final toss to mix everything together.
6. Let the Flavors Meld
   • Allow the dish to stand for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time lets the flavors develop, and the mozzarella will begin to soften slightly.

Serving

Serve Pasta alla Caprese warm or at room temperature. This dish is perfect on its own as a light meal or can be paired with a simple side salad or crusty bread for a complete Italian-inspired dinner.

Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

• Pasta Choice: Use short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli for a heartier bite, or spaghetti if you prefer a classic look.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
• Vegan Option: For a dairy-free version, use vegan mozzarella or a mild dairy-free cheese substitute.
• Protein Additions: Add cooked shredded chicken or chickpeas to increase protein while keeping the flavors light and complementary.
• Add Extra Vegetables: Fresh spinach or arugula mixed in just before serving adds a pop of color and nutrition.
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Pasta alla Caprese  now.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: 420
• Fat: 21g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Protein: 16g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Sugar: 3g

Closing

I hope this guide has made preparing Pasta alla Caprese a little less daunting! Have you tried this recipe before, or are you planning to make it soon? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment!