Caprese Pasta Recipe Guide

Caprese Pasta is a flavorful, quick, and easy dish inspired by the iconic Italian Caprese salad. Originating from the beautiful island of Capri, this dish takes the vibrant ingredients of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil and brings them together with pasta for a refreshing, satisfying meal. From my own personal experience, or based on my overall experience, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for a light lunch or a quick dinner.

Let me show you how I make Caprese Pasta:

Notes on What to Expect:

Expect a beautiful balance of freshness from the tomatoes and basil, richness from the mozzarella, and a slight sweetness from the tomatoes. The simplicity of this dish is part of its charm, with the fresh ingredients shining through. The mozzarella melts slightly, giving the pasta a creamy texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cuisine: Italian

Equipment Needed:

Large skillet, large pot, stirring spoon, knife, cutting board

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Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or any favorite variety)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 8 oz mozzarella (fresh mozzarella balls or cubed)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
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Method:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water.
2. Prepare the Tomatoes and Garlic:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they start to blister. Season with salt and pepper. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes and garlic. Toss everything together, adding a little reserved pasta water to help coat the pasta. If you like, add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a touch of sweetness and acidity.
4. Finish with Mozzarella and Basil:
   Remove from heat. Stir in fresh mozzarella cubes or balls and chopped basil. Toss until the mozzarella begins to melt and everything is well combined.
5. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional mozzarella if desired. Serve warm.

Variations:

• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even bacon for extra flavor and protein.
• Spicy Version: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic for a spicy kick.
• Vegan: Use a plant-based mozzarella substitute to make this dish dairy-free.

Substitutions:

• Pasta: Any type of pasta will work here, so feel free to use gluten-free pasta if you’re avoiding gluten.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Skip the vinegar if you prefer a more traditional Caprese flavor.
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Nutritional Information Per Serving:

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 15g
• Carbs: 45g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 3g

I hope this guide has made making Caprese Pasta seem a little less daunting! Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comment below. I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment.