Spaghetti alla Caprese

Spaghetti alla Caprese is a delightful vegetarian dish that combines the freshness of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil with al dente spaghetti, creating a vibrant and satisfying meal. This pasta embodies the essence of the classic Caprese salad in a comforting bowl of pasta.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti - 200 grams
• Ripe tomatoes - 300 grams, diced
• Fresh mozzarella cheese - 150 grams, cubed
• Fresh basil leaves - 15 grams, torn
• Extra virgin olive oil - 3 tablespoons
• Balsamic vinegar - 1 tablespoon
• Garlic - 1 clove, minced
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
2. While the spaghetti cooks, prepare the sauce by heating olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the diced tomatoes to the pan and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and release their juices.
4. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the cubed mozzarella, torn basil leaves, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve a small cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and add it directly to the pan with the tomato and mozzarella mixture.
6. Toss gently to combine, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce coat the spaghetti evenly.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 65 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Cholesterol: 30 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from tomatoes, supporting overall health.
• Provides a good source of protein and calcium from mozzarella cheese.

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