Caprese Tomato Mozzarella Penne (Printable Version)
Al dente penne with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil and olive oil, finished with a balsamic glaze.
# Ingredient List:
→ Pasta
01 - 14 oz penne pasta
→ Fresh Produce
02 - 9 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1 clove garlic, finely minced
04 - 0.7 oz fresh basil leaves, torn
05 - 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
→ Dairy
06 - 7 oz fresh mozzarella balls, halved or chopped
→ Pantry
07 - 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
08 - 1 tbsp balsamic glaze or reduction
09 - Salt, to taste
10 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# How to Make:
01 - Boil penne pasta in a large pot of salted water, following package directions, until al dente. Drain thoroughly, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking water.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and fresh basil leaves.
03 - Transfer drained, warm pasta to the bowl with tomatoes. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and gently toss. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water for moisture.
04 - Fold in fresh mozzarella pieces, allowing the residual heat from the pasta to gently soften the cheese.
05 - Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add chopped parsley if desired.
06 - Plate and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Garnish generously with additional basil leaves if preferred. Serve warm or at room temperature.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- You get all the freshness of a Caprese salad in cozy pasta form, and it tastes especially bright when tomatoes are just right.
- It’s a breeze to throw together when you’re short on time but still want something vibrant and feel-good.
02 -
- Once, I forgot to save the pasta water and the dish turned out a little stiff—always reserve some for perfect silkiness.
- If you add the mozzarella too soon when the pasta’s piping hot, it will melt into clumps instead of staying lusciously soft.
03 -
- Warm the serving bowl before tossing in the pasta to help keep everything at the perfect temperature.
- Let the mozzarella sit at room temperature before adding—it blends in creamier and doesn’t toughen up from the cold.