Spaghetti Alla Caprese
Transport your taste buds to the vibrant shores of Italy with Spaghetti Alla Caprese, a fresh, no-fuss pasta recipe that brilliantly showcases the simplicity of Mediterranean flavors. This dish combines al dente spaghetti with juicy cherry tomatoes, aromatic garlic, creamy cubes of fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all brought together with a luxurious drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. The quick 15-minute cook time makes it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners, while optional red chili flakes add a delightful kick for spice lovers. Perfect as a light summer meal, this recipe is a celebration of fresh, high-quality ingredients that will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams spaghetti
- 300 grams cherry tomatoes
- 200 grams fresh mozzarella
- 20 grams fresh basil leaves
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 pieces garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
While the spaghetti cooks, prepare the sauce. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and set aside.
Dice the fresh mozzarella into small cubes and place it in the fridge to stay cool while you finish the dish.
Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil is warm, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red chili flakes. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
Drain the cooked spaghetti, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the tomato mixture. Toss to combine. If the sauce seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it coats the pasta to your liking.
Remove the skillet from the heat and gently stir in the fresh mozzarella cubes and fresh basil leaves. The mozzarella should soften slightly from the residual heat but not fully melt.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
439 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 24.4 g | 31% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.9 g | 39% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 33 mg | 11% | |
| Sodium | 840 mg | 37% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 36.8 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.0 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.5 g | ||
| Protein | 18.5 g | 37% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 374 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 1.7 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 312 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
