Penne Caprese Delight
Indulge in the fresh and vibrant flavors of Italy with this Penne Caprese Delight. This one-dish meal combines perfectly cooked penne pasta with juicy plum tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and a touch of red wine vinegar. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this dish embraces the essence of a classic Caprese salad while making a satisfying meal. For an extra touch of sophistication, consider drizzling with balsamic vinegar before serving. Enjoy the freshness and simplicity of this dish that celebrates summertime ingredients all year round!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
plum tomatoes
1 1/2 lbs (seeded and coarsely chopped)
fresh mozzarella cheese
8 ounces (cut into 1x1/2-inch strips)
extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (none)
red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons (none)
fresh basil
1/2 cup (chopped)
penne pasta
12 ounces (none)
salt
to taste (none)
ground black pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine the coarsely chopped plum tomatoes, mozzarella strips, extra virgin olive oil, and red wine vinegar. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2
Allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for 1 hour, letting the flavors meld together beautifully. Just before serving, gently mix in the freshly chopped basil.
3
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well.
4
Return the drained pasta to the pot and immediately add the tomato and mozzarella mixture. Toss gently until the pasta is thoroughly coated and the ingredients are well combined.
5
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar if desired. Serve immediately, garnishing with extra basil or cheese if you'd like.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Penne Caprese Delight?
It is a fresh and vibrant Italian-inspired pasta dish that combines penne, plum tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The primary ingredients are plum tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh basil, and penne pasta.
How long should the tomato and mozzarella mixture sit?
The mixture should sit at room temperature for 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 12 ounces of penne pasta.
How should the plum tomatoes be prepared?
The tomatoes should be seeded and coarsely chopped.
How should the fresh mozzarella be cut?
The mozzarella should be cut into 1x1/2-inch strips.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is tagged as vegetarian.
What kind of oil is used in Penne Caprese Delight?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
What type of vinegar is included in the base mixture?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of red wine vinegar.
Can I add balsamic vinegar to this dish?
Yes, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar is suggested for an extra touch of sophistication or as a final seasoning adjustment.
When should I add the fresh basil?
Freshly chopped basil should be gently mixed in just before serving.
How much basil is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil.
How should the pasta be cooked?
Cook the penne in a large pot of salted water until it reaches an al dente texture.
Is this considered a healthy meal?
Yes, one of the tags for this recipe is healthy.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
There are 8 ingredients in total for this recipe.
What seasonings are used?
The dish is seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Can this be served as a main course?
Yes, it is described as a satisfying one-dish meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
What is the origin style of this recipe?
This recipe features Italian flavors and the essence of a classic Caprese salad.
How do I serve Penne Caprese Delight?
Serve it immediately after tossing the hot pasta with the tomato and mozzarella mixture, garnishing with extra basil or cheese if desired.
Does the recipe provide specific calorie counts?
No, nutritional information such as calories, fat, and protein is not provided in the data.
What is the purpose of letting the tomato mixture sit for an hour?
Letting it sit allows the juices from the tomatoes to mix with the oil, vinegar, and seasonings to create a flavorful sauce.
Can I use other types of tomatoes?
While plum tomatoes are recommended, you could substitute other fresh varieties, though the texture may vary.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
The tags include pasta, caprese, tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, healthy, italian, one dish meal, and vegetarian.
How much pasta is required?
The recipe requires 12 ounces of penne pasta.
Is the mozzarella melted in this dish?
The mozzarella is added to the hot pasta, which may soften it, but it is originally mixed at room temperature.
What is the recommended amount of plum tomatoes?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 lbs of plum tomatoes.
Should the pasta be rinsed after cooking?
No, the instructions specify to drain the pasta well and return it immediately to the pot.
Is this recipe good for summer?
Yes, the description notes it celebrates summertime ingredients and fresh flavors.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to combine the chopped plum tomatoes, mozzarella strips, olive oil, and red wine vinegar in a medium bowl.
Are there any serving size details?
No, the servings and serving size information are currently null in the recipe data.