Delicious Caprese Pasta with Fresh Basil

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
4. Toss in cooked pasta, fresh mozzarella, and chopped basil. Stir gently until mozzarella begins to melt.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper.
7. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
8. Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

FAQs:

• What ingredients are needed for Caprese Pasta with Fresh Basil?
  • Key ingredients typically include pasta (such as penne or spaghetti), cherry tomatoes (halved), fresh mozzarella balls (or diced mozzarella), fresh basil leaves (chopped or torn), garlic (minced), olive oil, balsamic vinegar (optional), salt, and pepper.
• How do I make Caprese Pasta with Fresh Basil?
  • Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Toss in the cooked pasta and fresh mozzarella balls. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh basil. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar if desired.
• Can I use other types of cheese in place of mozzarella?
  • Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with other soft cheeses like burrata or even creamy goat cheese for a different flavor profile. Adjust the amount to your liking and meltability preference.
• How do I enhance the flavor of Caprese Pasta?
  • To enhance the flavors, consider adding a splash of lemon juice for brightness or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. You can also infuse the olive oil with herbs like thyme or oregano before adding garlic to give it an extra layer of flavor.
• Is Caprese Pasta served hot or cold?
  • Caprese Pasta is typically served warm, just after tossing the hot pasta with the other ingredients to slightly melt the mozzarella and blend the flavors together. However, it can also be enjoyed chilled as a pasta salad, perfect for summer picnics or gatherings.
• What are some variations of Caprese Pasta?
  • You can customize Caprese Pasta by adding grilled chicken or shrimp for protein, or incorporating additional vegetables such as roasted bell peppers or olives. Another variation includes using different types of pasta shapes like fusilli or bowtie pasta for a playful twist on the classic dish.