Description

Caprese Pasta is a delightful combination of fresh ingredients, featuring juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. This easy recipe is ideal for a quick dinner, delivering rich flavors in every bite, making it a favorite among comfort food enthusiasts.

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 and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and release some juices.
Combine the cooked pasta with the tomatoes in the skillet along with a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water, tossing everything together until lightly coated.
Remove from heat and gently stir in fresh mozzarella, basil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired and drizzle balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 410
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 30mg