Craving a vibrant and refreshing pasta dish that captures the essence of summer? Look no further than this Fast Caprese Pasta recipe! This simple yet elegant meal celebrates the classic Italian Caprese salad's iconic flavors – juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil – in a delightful new way. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy cooking times; this recipe is designed for speed and ease, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual lunch. The bright, fresh ingredients combine beautifully with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a symphony of tastes and textures in every bite.
This fast Caprese pasta is surprisingly quick to make, promising a satisfying meal without sacrificing flavor. Get ready to elevate your pasta game with a recipe that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to execute. Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create this mouthwatering masterpiece.
Tools Needed
- Immersion blender
- Pot
- Colander
Ingredients
- Tomatoes (pulpy variety, like Optima)
- Garlic: 1 clove per person
- Basil: 4-5 leaves per person
- Mozzarella (Fior di Latte or Buffalo): 250g for 4 people
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon per person
- Salt: 2-3 pinches
- Black Pepper: a pinch
- Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese: grated, to taste
- Pasta (tubes like rigatoni)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Tomatoes and Sauce
- Blanch them in boiling water for about a minute after making a small cross incision . Peel them , remove seeds and excess water , and roughly chop. Season with salt and let it rest for 10 minutes to extract water. Discard the excess water .
- Blend the tomatoes to your preferred texture.
- Lightly crush the garlic and basil .
- Combine the tomato sauce with garlic, basil, olive oil , salt, pepper, and let it rest for at least 15 minutes .
Step 2. Cook the Pasta and Prepare Cheese
- Dice the mozzarella .
- Cook the pasta to al dente .
Step 3. Combine and Finish the Dish
- Remove the garlic cloves from the sauce . Add the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano .
- Drain the pasta and mix it with the sauce .
- Add the mozzarella .
Step 4. Serve
- Serve immediately or chill for 10 minutes .
Read more: Easy Basil Pesto Pasta: Simple, Cheap, & Delicious Recipe
Tips
- Use pulpy tomatoes with few seeds for a better sauce .
- Adding salt helps to extract water and create a sweeter, more concentrated tomato flavor .
- Use high-quality mozzarella like Fior di Latte or Buffalo (294.32, 325.68).
Nutrition
- Calories: 600-700
- Fat: 30-40g
- Carbs: 70-80g
- Protein: 20-25g
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of cheese instead of mozzarella?
Yes! Fresh burrata or bocconcini would also be delicious. Avoid very hard cheeses as they won't melt well with the pasta.
2. What if I don't have fresh basil?
Dried basil can be used in a pinch, but fresh basil offers the best flavor. Consider using other fresh herbs like oregano or parsley as a substitute.
3. How can I make this recipe vegetarian/vegan?
For a vegetarian version, simply use the recipe as is. For a vegan option, substitute the mozzarella with a vegan mozzarella alternative and ensure your pasta is vegan-friendly.
This Fast Caprese Pasta recipe is a testament to the beauty of simplicity; a quick, flavorful meal that embodies the spirit of summer. With minimal ingredients and effortless preparation, it's the perfect dish for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. Enjoy the burst of fresh flavors and the satisfying simplicity of this delicious Italian-inspired pasta!