Pasta Caprese is a quintessential pasta dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with its fresh and vibrant flavours. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients Required
Note: Since Pasta Caprese relies on fresh, high-quality ingredients, make sure your tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil are ripe and flavorful for the best results.
Pasta: From penne, fusilli, and spaghetti, to angel hair, you can pick either of them for this pasta recipe. Tomato: Pick ripe, juicy, red tomatoes like a vine, cherry, Roma tomatoes, or a variety of heirloom tomatoes. Fresh Mozzarella is the soul of the Caprese pasta recipe. Extra Virgin Olive Oil brings together the essence of tomato juices and the sharpness of garlic. Boiled Pasta Water helps in glazing the pan and creating a silky sauce. Italian Basil adds the much-required aroma and freshness to the pasta caprese. Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Italian Herbs
How To Make Caprese Pasta
Cook the Pasta:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain cooked pasta in a colander. Collect ¼ cup of boiled pasta water in a bowl. Set aside to use later.
Make the Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
Add cherry tomatoes, season them with salt, and allow them to release their juices. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices. Glaze the pan with boiled pasta water. Allow to simmer for 2 minutes.
Add Pasta and Mozzarella:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet using a slotted spoon or tongs. Add the fresh mozzarella pieces to the skillet as well.
Toss and Season:
Gently toss the pasta, tomatoes, and mozzarella together until well combined. Allow the mozzarella to melt slightly from the heat of the pasta. Season the dish with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add the torn basil leaves to the pasta. Gently toss to incorporate the basil throughout the dish, allowing its aroma to infuse into the pasta.
Serving Suggestion
Serve the Pasta Caprese immediately while it’s still warm and fresh. I love to mop that garlicky tomato sauce with toasted artisanal bread slices. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or light summer lunch, this fusilli pasta caprese recipe is sure to be a hit. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or refreshing sparkling water with a slice of lemon.
More Pasta Recipes
Basil Pesto Pasta Summer Pasta Salad Vegetable Pasta Soup Spaghetti with Shrimps Greek Orzo Pasta Salad Creamy Pumpkin Sauce Pasta Instant Pot Chicken Broccoli Pasta
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