Mediterranean Caprese Linguine
Indulge in this delightful Mediterranean Caprese Linguine, a vibrant twist on the classic Caprese salad. This dish combines the creamy richness of either buffalo mozzarella or light cream cheese with the freshness of ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and aromatic garlic. Tossed together with linguine and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, each bite bursts with flavor, making it a perfect centerpiece for a casual gathering or a cozy family dinner. This recipe, shared by my beloved aunt at my bridal shower, emphasizes the importance of using high-quality ingredients to create a dish that tantalizes the senses and nourishes the soul.
6-8
Servings
200
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Buffalo mozzarella or light cream cheese
8 ounces (cubed)
Fresh basil
1/2 cup (snipped into ribbons)
Tomatoes
8 (chopped)
Garlic cloves
8 (chopped)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (plus more to taste)
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste (None)
Linguine
1 lb (None)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the sauce. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cubed buffalo mozzarella or light cream cheese, snipped fresh basil, chopped tomatoes, and garlic.
2
Drizzle in the olive oil and season with fresh ground black pepper. Gently mix the ingredients using a fork, ensuring everything is well combined.
3
Taste the mixture and add additional olive oil if needed to achieve your desired consistency and richness.
4
Set the sauce aside to allow the flavors to meld while you bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
5
Once the water is boiling, add the linguine and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
6
Immediately after draining the linguine, return it to the pot and toss it with the prepared sauce. If the mixture seems a bit dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help incorporate the sauce.
7
Let the linguine sit for a minute to allow the cheese to soften from the heat. Then give it a final stir to combine everything evenly.
8
Serve the Mediterranean Caprese Linguine warm, garnished with additional fresh basil and a light drizzle of olive oil if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
8.75g
Fat
24.375g
Carbs
6.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Caprese Linguine?
It is a vibrant twist on the classic Caprese salad, combining buffalo mozzarella or light cream cheese with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and linguine.
What type of cheese should I use for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using either 8 ounces of cubed buffalo mozzarella or light cream cheese.
How many tomatoes are needed?
You will need 8 chopped tomatoes for this recipe.
How should the fresh basil be prepared?
The basil should be snipped into ribbons, measuring approximately 1/2 cup.
How many garlic cloves are included in the dish?
The recipe calls for 8 chopped garlic cloves.
Is the sauce cooked on the stovetop?
No, the sauce is prepared by mixing the raw ingredients in a bowl and letting the flavors meld while the pasta cooks.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses 1 lb of linguine.
Why should I reserve pasta cooking water?
Reserved pasta water is used to help incorporate the sauce and prevent the dish from being too dry.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 to 8 servings.
Is Mediterranean Caprese Linguine vegetarian?
Yes, it is tagged as a vegetarian dish.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
How much fat is in a serving of this pasta?
There are 8.75g of fat per serving.
What are the carbohydrate and protein values?
Each serving has 24.375g of carbohydrates and 6.25g of protein.
Who originally shared this recipe?
The recipe was shared by the creator's aunt at her bridal shower.
How should the cheese be prepared?
The buffalo mozzarella or light cream cheese should be cut into cubes.
What is the recommended cooking level for the linguine?
The linguine should be cooked according to package directions until it is al dente.
What should I use to garnish the finished dish?
You can garnish the pasta with additional fresh basil and a light drizzle of olive oil.
Is this recipe considered heart-healthy?
Yes, it is specifically categorized under the 'Low Cholesterol' category.
How much olive oil is used initially?
The recipe starts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, plus more added to taste.
What kind of pepper is recommended?
Fresh ground black pepper is recommended to season the sauce.
How long should the pasta sit after mixing with the sauce?
Let the linguine sit for a minute to allow the cheese to soften from the heat of the pasta.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 7 primary ingredients used in this recipe.
What tool is suggested for mixing the sauce?
The instructions suggest using a fork to gently mix the sauce ingredients together.
Can I adjust the consistency of the sauce?
Yes, you can add additional olive oil or a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired richness.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and involves simple preparation steps.
What are the primary flavor profiles?
The dish features fresh basil, aromatic garlic, ripe tomatoes, and creamy cheese.
Does the recipe use salted water for the pasta?
Yes, the instructions specify bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil for the linguine.
What tags are associated with this dish?
Tags include pasta, caprese, mediterranean, vegetarian, fresh ingredients, easy recipe, healthy, low cholesterol, and entree.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The garlic cloves should be chopped before being added to the sauce mixture.
Should the dish be served warm or cold?
The Mediterranean Caprese Linguine is intended to be served warm.