Tomato Caprese Pasta Recipe
Tomato Caprese Pasta is must-make classic summer pasta dish when I have fresh vine-ripened tomatoes available. I make this dish repeatedly during the peak tomato and basil season. This is a perfect way to use some of the fresh tomatoes in your garden or from your local farmers’ market. The traditional Caprese Salad is modified into a fantastic pasta dish that is so easy to make and so good. I serve this pasta dish to my family and also serve it to guests. This pasta dish comes together in less than 30 minutes. Everyone seems to love it! My husband said this recipe is a DEFINITE winner!
Check out Linda’s Pasta Hints and Tips and Pasta, Rice, and Main Dish Recipes.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup olive oil, extra-virgin
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon coarse salt
- Black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 teaspoons crushed red pepper or to taste
- 3 to 4 medium tomatoes or 6 to 7 Roma tomatoes, diced (peeled and seeded if desired)*
- 8 to 12 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into small 1/2-inch cubes**
- 1 (16-ounce) package penna pasta, uncooked***
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
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In a large bowl, whisk together the garlic, olive oil, basil leaves, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper. Add the tomatoes and gently toss to combine. Let stand at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Stir from time to time as the pasta cooks.
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Cook pasta according to package directions; drain well and return to pan to keep warm. Learn How To Cook Pasta Properly.
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While the tomatoes are marinating, place the mozzarella cubes on a plate and place in the freezer for 10 minutes. Note: This will keep the cheese from getting rubbery when combined with the hot pasta.
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After the tomato mixture has marinated and just before serving, add the mozzarella cheese cubes.
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Add prepared tomato mixture to the cooked and drained pasta and gently toss to coat thoroughly.
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Transfer onto individual serving plates and garnish with grated parmesan cheese.
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Serve immediately.
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Makes 4 servings.
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* Learn How To Peel Fresh Tomatoes.
** The mozzarella used is a fresh mozzarella. When a recipe specifies Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, please only use Fresh Mozzarella Cheese – You will be sorry if you do not use it!
NOTE: I found, from experience, that if you add the mozzarella cheese in the marinade at the beginning, if seem to get tough. By freezing the mozzarella cubes for 10 minutes, it keeps the cheese soft and keeps it from melting when added to the pasta.
*** I also have made this recipe with linguini pasta.
