Caprese Pasta

Caprese Pasta

Looking for an easy and delicious way to reinvent unappealing, dry leftover pasta? This caprese pasta combines all the flavours of traditional caprese salad-mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, and fresh basil, all in one bowl of pasta. Simply combine these fresh ingredients with leftover pasta, and you have a tasty, flavourful meal for the family.

How many times have you miscalculated the quantity of pasta required for the amount of people dining? It’s one of my greatest cooking faults-although somewhat minor, I believe! Either I make too little, or too much. My trick of measuring out individual portions in bowls-keeping in mind that the quantity of pasta doubles when cooked, has always been an effective method in estimating the required portions. But this time, I guesstimated too much. So, what to do with the leftover pasta? It’s sticky. It’s dry. It’s bland. It’s unappealing. Right? Wrong!

It’s amazing how only a few fresh ingredients can liven up day-old pasta. The basil adds an earthy bite and the small chunks of mozzarella smothered all over the pasta add a gooey, and creamy texture.

This caprese pasta has become one of my go-to recipes for the family, especially during the summer months when fresh basil grows in abundance in our garden. In fact, there’s no need to wait for leftover pasta to prepare this dish-just combine freshly made tomato sauce with the basil and mozzarella and you have a crowd-pleasing meal. It’s rustic and hearty enough for a family meal yet elegant enough for dinner guests. Are you looking for more ways to reinvent leftovers? Find more ideas and inspiration HERE.

If you try this recipe (and love it!) be sure to snap a pic and tag me on Instagram with #bitesforfoodies so I can see your creation!

Caprese Pasta

2014-07-16
: 1 cup
: 2 min
: 2-3 min

Looking for an easy and delicious way to reinvent unappealing, dry leftover pasta? This caprese pasta combines all the flavours of traditional caprese salad-mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, and fresh basil, all in one bowl of pasta. Simply combine these fresh ingredients with leftover pasta, and you have a tasty, flavourful meal for the family. How many times have […]

By:

Caprese Pasta
5
5
1
6
Ingredients
    1 cup cooked pasta in tomato sauce
  • 1/2 mozzarella di bufala (or 1/4 cup grated mozzarella)
  • 1 tbs. extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 basil leaves, finely minced
  • Parmesan for garnish (optional)
Directions

For this recipe, you need leftover pasta in tomato sauce and mozzarella di bufala or regular grated mozzarella. Heat the olive oil in a small pot on medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes then add the pasta. Cook on medium-low heat, stirring every minute or so, until warmed through. While the pasta is cooking, drain the mozzarella then chop into small chunks. Finely chop the basil then add both directly to the pot with the pasta. Heat through for another 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted. Serve immediately, garnished with some grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

6 thoughts on “Caprese Pasta”

  • Your in laws must love when you visit. 🙂

    • Lisa @bitesforbabies 10 years ago

      I actually only made this for the kids!! I’m sure they would have enjoyed it too! They love tasting dishes they are unfamiliar with, such as hummus, quinoa, etc.

  • Terri Lynn Grothe 10 years ago

    yummm, this looks amazing

  • mail4rosey 10 years ago

    I can see how the fresh mozzarella would liven it up. It looks yummy delicious!

    • Lisa @bitesforbabies 10 years ago

      Yes, and it has to be this type of mozzarella…if you can find it! 😉

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.