Hot Caprese Pasta, is a Fast and Easy Creamy Italian Pasta dish made with fresh tomatoes, melted fresh mozzarella and Spaghetti. The perfect anytime Pasta Recipe.
Hot Caprese Pasta
Today I’m sharing with you a Fast and Easy Summer Pasta Recipe. I just happened to make it with Spaghetti because it is my favourite Pasta, and whenever I can, I like to slip it in.
The Italian prefers short ridgy pasta, he says it holds the sauce better and pasta without ridges is just plain slimy!
In Italy Summer screams Gelato, tasty Fresh Veggie Pasta Salads, Cold Rice Salads and especially anything Caprese, from the Classic Caprese Salad to a Pizza Caprese and of course this Creamy Caprese Pasta.
How to make a Hot Caprese Pasta:
- In a large pot of boiling salted water cook pasta until al dente.
- In a large frying pan on medium heat, add oil, onion, garlic, spices and tomatoes, fry until soft and lightly browned.
- Add cooked pasta, a little pasta water and mozzarella, toss gently until the mozzarella starts to melt.
- Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan Cheese if desired.
A friend of mine made this Hot Caprese Pasta Dish for lunch one day and it was so good that I had to make it myself.
What is the best Pasta to use for this Creamy Caprese?
To tell the truth I would say your favourite pasta would work with this dish, whether a short pasta such as penne or rigatoni or a long pasta such as spaghetti or linguine. You decide.
What are the ingredients in Caprese Pasta?
Made with the traditional Caprese Ingredients, fresh tomatoes, fresh basil and mozzarella. But hot, tossed together until the mozzarella just begins to melt, then topped with some freshly grated Parmesan Cheese if you wish.
What is the origin of the Caprese Salad?
A very popular story is that a patriotic mason loved to add the colours of the Italian flag in his sandwich. Which of course were basil, tomatoes and mozzarella, which he stuffed into a soft loaf of bread to eat during his lunch break.
However, evidence shows that the Caprese Salad was invented in the 1920s. The dish made its first appearance on the menu of the Quisisana Hotel in Capri.
So if you would like a change on the Class Caprese why not give this Hot Caprese Pasta a try. Let me know what you think. Buon Appetito!
Hot Caprese Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups cooked pasta (250 grams)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced onion
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 14-16 cherry or grape tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 5 more or less fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 - 1 teaspoon oregano
- hot pepper flakes to taste
- 7 ounces fresh mozzarella cubed (200 grams)
Instructions
- In a large pot of boiling salted water cook pasta (short or long) until al dente.
- In a large frying pan on medium heat, add oil, onion, garlic, spices and tomatoes, fry until soft and lightly browned.
- Add cooked pasta, 1/2 ladle of pasta water and mozzarella, toss gently until completely combined on medium heat for 1-2 minutes until mozzarella starts to melt. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan Cheese if desired. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Updated from May 25, 2017.
Cheryl Kreis says
OMG! We had this last night and it was a huge hit!
Rosemary says
Thanks so much Cheryl, so glad you enjoyed it. Have a great weekend.
Beca Craik says
Cold rainy day today and I was planning on having a Caprese Salad.. but I fancied something hot and this was perfect! So simple and not heavy with “sauce”. Light and comforting! This is getting put in my recipe book! X
Rosemary says
Hi Beca, thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it. We are looking forward to some rain here. Take care.
Bianca says
Very delicious. When I made this dish, it fit three servings.
Rosemary says
HI Bianca, thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it. Have a wonderful Sunday.
Brandy says
I’m wondering if I prepared this a little bit before serving it would be ok to keep it warm and tasty in the crockpot I would like to take it to a work pot luck.
Rosemary says
Hi Brandy, I don’t really think that would work, I imagine the pasta would get mushy and there is nothing worse than mushy pasta. Sorry.
Patricia Long says
This and all of your recipes look so delicious! I will try this tonight. One of the (many) things I miss about Italy is the fresh mozzarella! CAn we just substitute with cows milk Mozarella- the soft kind.
Thank You!
Rosemary says
Hi Patricia, thanks so much and yes the cows milk mozzarella will work. Hope you like it.
Rosa says
This is a wonderful summer dish! I completely agree with you … I also prefer this with spaghetti. 🙂 The simplest dishes are always the best ones. 🙂
Rosemary says
Hi Rosa, thanks so much and have a wonderful weekend.
Kristen says
YAAAS!!! This and a scoop of gelato and I am in summer heaven! Pinning!
Rosemary says
Hi Kristen, thanks and the best thing about summer is Gelato! Have a great holiday weekend.