Caprese-Inspired Balsamic Pasta with Tomato, Arugula, and Mozzarella
This delightful pasta dish combines the fresh flavors of a classic Caprese salad with the warmth of pasta. The creamy mozzarella melts slightly from the heat of the pasta, blending beautifully with juicy tomatoes and peppery arugula. A touch of balsamic vinegar adds a tangy note, balancing the dish perfectly. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a light dinner, this dish brings together Italian-inspired ingredients with simplicity and flair.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
tomatoes
2 cups (seeded and chopped)
arugula
2 cups (coarsely chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (chopped)
fresh mozzarella cheese
8 ounces (cut into small cubes)
sea salt
1 teaspoon
fresh ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon
extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup
penne pasta
12 ounces (strozzapreti if available)
balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
Prepare the sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, coarsely chopped arugula, chopped garlic cloves, and cubes of fresh mozzarella. Add sea salt, freshly ground pepper, and extra virgin olive oil. Stir the mixture until well combined, ensuring that the tomatoes and cheese are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2
Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne or strozzapreti pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning.
3
Combine pasta and sauce: Transfer the drained pasta to the bowl with the prepared sauce. Toss the pasta thoroughly to ensure the sauce evenly coats the pasta and the mozzarella begins to melt slightly. Add the balsamic vinegar and toss again, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
4
Serve: Divide the pasta into four equal servings. Optionally, garnish with extra arugula leaves or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caprese-Inspired Balsamic Pasta?
It is a warm pasta dish that incorporates the classic flavors of a Caprese salad, including fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and arugula, finished with a tangy balsamic vinegar.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients are penne pasta, tomatoes, arugula, fresh mozzarella cheese, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and balsamic vinegar.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of pasta is recommended?
Penne pasta is recommended, though strozzapreti is a great alternative if available.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The tomatoes should be seeded and chopped before being added to the sauce mixture.
What kind of mozzarella should I use?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese cut into small cubes.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly pasta dish.
Why do I need to refrigerate the sauce mixture?
Refrigerating the tomato, arugula, garlic, and mozzarella mixture for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together.
Do I need to cook the sauce?
No, the sauce is a marinated fresh mixture that is warmed only by the heat of the freshly cooked pasta.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 2 chopped garlic cloves.
What role does balsamic vinegar play in this dish?
The balsamic vinegar adds a tangy note that balances the creaminess of the mozzarella and the sweetness of the tomatoes.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
How should the arugula be prepared?
The arugula should be coarsely chopped for the sauce mixture.
What does 'al dente' mean for the pasta?
Al dente means cooking the pasta so it is firm to the bite, rather than soft.
Should I keep any pasta water?
Yes, reserve a small cup of pasta water just in case the sauce needs thinning when combining it with the pasta.
When do I add the balsamic vinegar?
Add the balsamic vinegar after the pasta has been tossed with the tomato and mozzarella mixture.
Can I garnish this dish?
Yes, you can garnish with extra arugula leaves or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
How much sea salt is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of sea salt.
How much black pepper is used?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal, perfect for weeknights.
Does the mozzarella melt?
The mozzarella begins to melt slightly from the residual heat of the cooked pasta, creating a creamy texture.
What is the serving size?
The recipe yields 4 equal servings.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, while penne or strozzapreti are suggested, other short pasta shapes would work well.
What makes this 'Caprese-inspired'?
It uses the signature ingredients of a Caprese salad: tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and greens (arugula instead of basil) with olive oil.
Is the arugula spicy?
Arugula has a naturally peppery flavor which adds a nice kick to the dish.
How much pasta is needed?
The recipe requires 12 ounces of pasta.
Can I serve this cold?
While intended to be served warm to melt the cheese, it could also be enjoyed as a cold pasta salad.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
The dish is fresh, tangy, peppery, and creamy.
How long does the whole process take?
Preparation takes about 30 minutes for marinating plus the time to boil the pasta.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include Italian, caprese, pasta, quick meal, vegetarian, balsamic, arugula, tomato, mozzarella, and fresh.