Description

This Caprese Pasta dish combines the juiciness of cherry tomatoes with creamy mozzarella and aromatic basil, making it a quick and tasty meal for any occasion. Perfect for a comforting dinner or a healthy lunch, it’s delightfully simple to prepare and packed with flavors everyone will love.

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. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and release their juices.
Combine the cooked pasta with the tomatoes and add a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water. Toss until everything is well coated in juices and oil.
Remove the skillet from heat and gently mix in the fresh mozzarella, basil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
If desired, top with grated Parmesan cheese and drizzle with balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables for extra nutrition.
For added richness, consider using burrata instead of mozzarella.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 410
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 49g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 30mg