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Fresh Caprese Pasta Recipe Easy Creamy Mozzarella Basil Delight

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A quick and delicious pasta dish combining creamy fresh mozzarella, ripe cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil for a fresh, summery meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340g) short pasta like penne or fusilli
  • 8 ounces (225g) fresh mozzarella balls or pearls, torn or halved
  • 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, washed and roughly torn
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: toasted pine nuts

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340g) pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 9-11 minutes). Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
  2. While pasta cooks, halve 2 cups cherry tomatoes, mince 2 garlic cloves, and tear about 1 cup fresh basil leaves. Tear or halve 8 ounces (225g) fresh mozzarella balls.
  3. Reserve about 1/2 cup (120ml) pasta water before draining the pasta.
  4. In a large bowl, mix pasta with tomatoes, garlic, and basil. Add mozzarella and gently toss to combine without breaking the cheese too much.
  5. Drizzle 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon lemon juice over the mixture. Toss gently. If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until creamy and cohesive.
  6. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Mix again.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning or acidity as needed. Let the pasta sit for 5 minutes to marry the flavors before serving.

Notes

Do not overmix once mozzarella is added to keep creamy chunks visible. Reserve pasta water to adjust moisture and help sauce cling. Add basil at the end to keep it bright and fresh. Drain excess tomato juice if too watery to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese pasta, fresh mozzarella, basil pasta, easy pasta recipe, summer pasta, quick dinner, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/fresh-caprese-pasta-recipe-easy-creamy-mozzarella-basil-delight/