Caprese Pasta
Caprese Pasta is a vibrant dish that brings the freshness of summer right to your plate. Bursting with sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil, this quick recipe takes only 30 minutes to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, each bite offers a delightful explosion of flavors. Serve it as a standalone meal or customize it with your favorite proteins and veggies for a personalized touch. Enjoy the taste of summer all year round with this easy-to-make Caprese Pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls, drained
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté minced garlic in olive oil for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they blister and release juices (about 5 minutes).
- Combine the cooked pasta with the tomato mixture, adding chopped basil and mozzarella. Gently toss to combine.
- Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Serve immediately, drizzled with balsamic vinegar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: - For added protein, incorporate grilled chicken or shrimp. - Substitute burrata for an ultra-creamy twist on the classic Caprese flavor. - To enhance flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes or roasted vegetables.