Caprese-Style Spaghetti Delight
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of summer with this Caprese-Style Spaghetti Delight, inspired by the culinary genius of David Rocco. This recipe features al dente spaghetti tossed with fresh, ripe tomatoes and creamy mozzarella cheese, drizzled with high-quality extra virgin olive oil and garnished with aromatic herbs. Perfect for warm evenings when tomatoes are at their peak freshness, this dish embodies the essence of Italian culinary simplicity and joy, allowing the quality of the ingredients to shine through. It's an effortless yet elegant one-dish meal, ideal for sharing with family and friends.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti
1 lb (dry)
fresh tomatoes
2 (diced)
fresh mozzarella cheese
1 lb (diced)
extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup (high-quality)
fresh oregano
1 teaspoon (chopped)
fresh basil
4 leaves (torn)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, approximately 6-8 minutes, depending on the brand.
2
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce by combining the diced fresh tomatoes and mozzarella cheese in a large mixing bowl.
3
Drizzle in the high-quality extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkle in the chopped oregano and torn basil leaves. Add salt to taste and gently toss the mixture to combine.
4
Once the spaghetti is done cooking, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the spaghetti. Immediately add the hot spaghetti to the bowl with the tomato and mozzarella mixture.
5
Toss the spaghetti with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a cohesive, silky texture.
6
Serve the dish immediately, garnishing with additional fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caprese-Style Spaghetti Delight?
It is a vibrant summer pasta dish featuring al dente spaghetti tossed with fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, olive oil, and aromatic herbs.
Who inspired this specific recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the culinary style of David Rocco.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients are spaghetti, fresh tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, extra virgin olive oil, fresh oregano, fresh basil, and salt.
How long should I cook the spaghetti?
The spaghetti should be cooked for approximately 6 to 8 minutes until it reaches an al dente texture.
Is the sauce for this pasta cooked?
No, the sauce is a fresh mixture of diced tomatoes, cheese, oil, and herbs that is heated only by the hot pasta.
What type of cheese is best for this dish?
Fresh mozzarella cheese, diced into small pieces, is recommended for the best creamy texture.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
Use fresh, ripe tomatoes to ensure the most vibrant summer flavor.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly one-dish meal.
Why should I reserve some pasta water?
Reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water helps achieve a cohesive and silky texture when tossing the spaghetti with the fresh ingredients.
What type of olive oil is recommended?
A high-quality extra virgin olive oil is recommended as it is a key flavor component of the dish.
What fresh herbs are included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for chopped fresh oregano and torn fresh basil leaves.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The fresh tomatoes should be diced before being combined with the other sauce ingredients.
What does 'al dente' mean for the pasta?
Al dente means the pasta is cooked so it is still firm to the bite, not mushy.
Can I add more basil?
Yes, you can garnish the dish with additional fresh basil leaves before serving if desired.
How do I combine the pasta and the sauce?
Add the hot, drained spaghetti directly into a large mixing bowl containing the tomato and mozzarella mixture and toss immediately.
Should I salt the pasta water?
Yes, you should bring a large pot of salted water to a boil before adding the spaghetti.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 7 ingredients.
When is the best time to serve this dish?
It is perfect for warm evenings when tomatoes are at their peak freshness.
How should the basil be prepared?
The basil leaves should be torn rather than finely chopped to preserve their aromatic oils.
Can I use dry oregano?
The recipe specifies fresh oregano for the best flavor, but you can use dried if fresh is unavailable.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
What is the amount of spaghetti needed?
You will need 1 lb of dry spaghetti.
Does the mozzarella melt completely?
The mozzarella will soften and become slightly melty from the heat of the hot pasta, creating a creamy texture.
Is this recipe considered quick and easy?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick and easy meal because it requires minimal cooking.
How much mozzarella is required?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of fresh diced mozzarella cheese.
What makes this 'Caprese-style'?
It uses the classic Italian combination of tomato, mozzarella, and basil, similar to a Caprese salad.
Should the dish be served hot or cold?
It should be served immediately while the pasta is hot to help soften the cheese.
Can I adjust the salt level?
Yes, salt should be added to the tomato and cheese mixture to your personal taste preference.