Pasta A La Caprese
Pasta A La Caprese features fresh tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, and vibrant peppers tossed with pasta in a simple yet flavorful sauce, perfect for a quick, vibrant Italian meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. penne, ziti or rigatoni ⓘ
- 12 plum or 4 large tomatoes, sliced thin lengthwise ⓘ
- 3 to 4 smashed garlic cloves ⓘ
- 1 long thin yellow-red sweet red pepper, sliced thin ⓘ
- 20 leaves fresh basil, torn in half ⓘ
- 1/2 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 5 to 6 twists pepper mill
- 8 oz. mozzarella cheese, cubed ⓘ
- freshly grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine tomatoes, garlic, sweet red pepper, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Let stand without refrigerating for at least 1.5 hours.
- Cook pasta until al dente, then drain well.
- Add cubed mozzarella to the cooked pasta.
- Pour the tomato sauce over the pasta and mozzarella.
- Mix quickly but well to combine.
- Serve immediately, sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider roasting the tomatoes before adding them to the sauce, which enhances their sweetness. You can substitute the mozzarella with burrata for a creamier texture. If you prefer a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the mix. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to prepare it ahead of time, keep the sauce and pasta separate until serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pasta A La Caprese with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad to complement the flavors. A glass of chilled white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, pairs beautifully with this dish. For a delightful twist, consider serving alongside Tomato Basil Pasta for a varied meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of olive oil or water to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta A La Caprese contains roughly 599 calories, with 20g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (221% of the Daily Value), protein (41% of the Daily Value), and calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 847mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegan by omitting the mozzarella and using a plant-based cheese alternative. Additionally, ensure that the pasta you choose is egg-free. This way, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying vegan variation of Pasta A La Caprese.
How can I make the pasta dish gluten-free?
To make Pasta A La Caprese gluten-free, simply substitute regular pasta with a gluten-free pasta variety made from rice, quinoa, or lentils. Ensure you check the sauce ingredients for any hidden gluten sources. This allows you to enjoy the flavors without compromising dietary restrictions.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
Using fresh, ripe tomatoes is key for the best flavor. Plum tomatoes are ideal due to their sweetness and lower moisture content. However, if fresh tomatoes are unavailable, you can use high-quality canned tomatoes as a substitute, which can save time and still yield a delicious sauce.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).