Penne Ala Caprese
A vibrant Italian pasta dish featuring fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella, perfect for warm weather and casual gatherings, offering a balance of fresh flavors and cheesy richness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together diced tomato, basil, and minced garlic in a bowl.
- Add enough olive oil to cover the mixture.
- Marinate at room temperature or in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Just before serving, cook penne until al dente, then drain.
- Rinse the cooked pasta with cold water.
- Add a small amount of olive oil to the pasta and stir to coat.
- Add the cooked pasta to the marinated tomato mixture and bring to room temperature if refrigerated.
- Toss the pasta with grated mozzarella cheese and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the tomato mixture. If fresh basil isn't available, feel free to substitute with dried basil, but use slightly less as it's more concentrated. Ensure the olive oil is of good quality, as it significantly enhances the dish. This recipe can also be made with other pasta shapes like fusilli or farfalle.
Serving Suggestions
Penne Ala Caprese makes a delightful main dish, but it can also be served as a side with grilled chicken or fish. Pair it with a crisp green salad and a light vinaigrette for a complete meal. This dish also pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Soft Breadsticks(Go Well With Soup, Italian Food, You Name It!) for a more substantial feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking and microwave in short intervals until warmed through. For best results, consider serving cold as a pasta salad for a refreshing twist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Penne Ala Caprese contains roughly 1173 calories, with 38g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 100g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (154% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 43g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses such as burrata for creaminess or feta for a tangy twist. Just keep in mind that each cheese will impart a different flavor profile to the dish.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make a vegan version, replace the mozzarella with a plant-based cheese alternative and use olive oil to marinate without cheese. You can add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the marinated tomato mixture a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta and combine it just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
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).