Description
This Caprese Pasta is easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. With fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil, it’s perfect for a quick dinner or a healthy meal.
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)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. 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 garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and release some juices.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. Toss until the pasta is lightly coated in the tomato juices and oil.
- Remove from heat and gently stir in fresh mozzarella, basil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese if using, and drizzle with balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Feel free to customize with your favorite pasta shape.
For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
This dish can be served warm or chilled as a pasta salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg