Description

Caprese Pasta is a delightful dish featuring fresh cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. With its simple preparation and vibrant flavors, it’s a perfect choice for a quick dinner or a wholesome meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces short pasta (fusilli, penne, or farfalle)
1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls or diced fresh mozzarella
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
balsamic glaze (optional)

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, reserving about ¼ cup of pasta water; then drain the pasta.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and release their juices.
Toss the cooked pasta with the tomatoes, adding a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to lightly coat everything.
Remove from heat and gently mix in fresh mozzarella, basil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
If desired, top with grated Parmesan cheese and drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

Notes

Feel free to customize with your choice of pasta.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days.
For added flavor, consider adding cooked chicken or other vegetables.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 420
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 380mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 25mg