Caprese Pasta
Caprese Pasta
Elevate Your Special Occasions with Homemade Caprese Pasta!
I recreated the signature Caprese Pasta from my favorite restaurant right in my own kitchen! With just a few simple ingredients, you can achieve a visually stunning and incredibly delicious pasta dish that’s perfect for making any day feel like a celebration. This recipe is designed for ease and maximum flavor impact.
Ingredients- Pasta (Spaghetti) for 2 servings
- Extra virgin olive oil, as needed
- Basil pesto, 1.5 Tbsp per serving (3 Tbsp total)
- Semi-dried cherry tomatoes, 5-8 per serving (10-16 total)
- Ricotta cheese, 1 Tbsp per serving (2 Tbsp total)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Black pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Before you begin cooking, it’s always a good idea to gather and prepare all your ingredients. This includes the pasta (spaghetti), fragrant extra virgin olive oil, vibrant basil pesto, creamy ricotta cheese, sweet semi-dried cherry tomatoes, and finally, black pepper and salt for seasoning. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2
The foundation of any great pasta dish is perfectly cooked pasta. Fill a large pot with plenty of water, enough to generously cover the spaghetti. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Good ingredients and careful preparation are key to authentic Italian cooking.
Step 3
Once the water reaches a vigorous boil, carefully add the spaghetti. To prevent the pasta from sticking together, gently stir it with tongs or a fork as it begins to soften. Adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the boiling water will help the pasta remain al dente and glossy. Refer to the package instructions for cooking time, but it’s always best to taste a strand a minute or two before the suggested time to ensure it’s perfectly cooked (al dente is recommended).
Step 4
To enhance the natural sweetness of the semi-dried cherry tomatoes, we’ll give them a quick caramelization. Sprinkle a little sugar over the tomatoes. The sugar will help draw out their moisture and create a lovely glaze as they cook. Heat a small amount of olive oil in a pan over low heat. Add the sugared tomatoes and gently sauté them until the sugar melts and coats the tomatoes beautifully. Be careful not to overcook them; they should remain slightly firm. Once lightly caramelized, place them in the freezer for a short while to cool down and condense their flavor.
Step 5
Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain it well. Immediately transfer the drained pasta to a frying pan that has been lightly coated with olive oil. Now, season generously with freshly ground black pepper. If you have fresh basil leaves, finely chop them and add them now, or use dried parsley for a similar aromatic touch. Gently toss the pasta in the pan using tongs or a spatula, ensuring that each strand is coated with the olive oil, pepper, and basil. This step infuses the pasta itself with delicious flavor.
Step 6
Beautiful presentation can greatly enhance the dining experience. Carefully arrange the seasoned pasta onto your serving plates. You can twirl it into neat nests or arrange it more casually – either way looks lovely. Your Caprese Pasta is now ready for its final touches.
Step 7
Now, it’s time to add the vibrant and flavorful components that define Caprese Pasta. Dollop about 1.5 tablespoons of basil pesto over the pasta for each serving. Next, add about 1 tablespoon of creamy ricotta cheese per serving. Finally, artfully arrange 5-8 of the chilled, caramelized semi-dried cherry tomatoes on top. Feel free to adjust the quantities of each ingredient to suit your personal preference.
Step 8
I personally love the chewy texture and concentrated sweetness of the semi-dried tomatoes, so I added a few extra beyond the recipe’s suggestion. Their vibrant red color adds a beautiful visual appeal, making the dish even more enticing.
Step 9
Your stunning Caprese Pasta is complete! Before diving in, gently toss everything together with your fork. This will beautifully meld the fragrant basil pesto, the creamy ricotta, the sweet tomatoes, and the rich olive oil into a harmonious bite. Enjoy your delicious homemade Caprese Pasta! ^^
