Caprese Pasta

Spring fever has hit not only our backyard, but also the kitchen. I decided that I was in the mood for recipe that I hadn't made since last summer - Caprese Pasta.

This truly is a (less than) 30 minute meal. It is super easy and oh-so-simple to make.  Just a few ingredients and you've got yourself a delicious, filling meal.  I normally serve it with fresh bread, but I completely forgot to make the bread!

(Yeah, I'm not sure how that happened either....)

Of course, if you have fresh garlic, tomatoes, and/or basil from your garden, it will only make this meal better.  The next time you're looking for an easy, fast dinner, give this a try!

Caprese Pasta

Serves 4

Ingredients:

12 oz pasta

2 tbsp olive oil

2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced in half vertically

2 large garlic cloves, minced

8 oz fresh mozzarella, diced

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped* - plus more for garnish

Kosher salt and Pepper

Balsamic vinegar

Directions:

1.  Bring a large pot of water to boil and add a few good pinches of salt.  Add pasta and cook a few minutes less than directed - you want the pasta to still be al dente.  Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water.  Set aside.

2.  Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.  Once oil is warm, add the tomatoes and saute for 5 minutes until they begin to soften.  Sprinkle the tomatoes with salt and pepper and add in the garlic.  Continue to saute for about 10 minutes (I do this while the pasta is cooking), stirring occasionally.  The tomatoes should begin to get softer and release their juices, making a 'sauce'.

3.  Once the tomatoes and garlic are softened and cooked, add in the pasta and toss to coat in the sauce.  Let the pasta and sauce cook for 2-3 more minutes, until the pasta is cooked all the way through.  Add in the mozzarella and basil, mix well and serve.  Garnish with additional basil and drizzle with a little balsamic vinegar, if desired.  Enjoy!

~ Sara :)

*Basil will brown immediately after cutting it.  I recommend cutting it right before adding it to the pasta.