Hot Caprese Pasta with Fusilli and Cherry Tomatoes
Servings: 4 Servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces short pasta
- ¼ to ½ cup reserved pasta water
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 4 garlic cloves minced or thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper or to taste
- ¼ cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 to 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 5 tablespoons fresh basil chiffonade (about 8–10 leaves)
- 4 ounces mozzarella pearls
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.8 ounces short pasta, ¼ to ½ cup reserved pasta water
- Heat a large skillet over low heat. Add the olive oil and cherry tomatoes. Increase heat slightly to low-medium. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and blister.¼ cup olive oil, 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- Gently smash the tomatoes using a wooden spoon or potato masher to release their juices.
- Add the garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.4 garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Stir in the broth and balsamic vinegar. Simmer over medium heat for 6 to 7 minutes, or until the sauce reduces slightly.¼ cup chicken broth, 1 to 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Remove from heat. Add the cooked pasta and some of the fresh basil. Toss to combine. If the pasta looks dry, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water.5 tablespoons fresh basil
- Gently stir in the mozzarella pearls just before serving. Garnish with extra basil or a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.4 ounces mozzarella pearls
Notes
- The calories listed are an approximation based on the ingredients in the recipe card and a serving size of 2 ounces of pasta. Actual calories will vary.
- This recipe makes about 4 servings which is great if you serve it with a side dish. The servings can be larger for a meal, but you'll only get 2–3.
- Add chicken or shrimp for heartier dish.
- Start with less salt and pepper in the sauce, taste, and add more if needed once you add the broth.
- Use long noodles instead of short if that's what you have on hand.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Hot Caprese Pasta with Fusilli and Cherry Tomatoes
Serving Size
2 ounces dry pasta
Amount per Serving
Calories
446
% Daily Value*
Fat
21
g
32
%
Saturated Fat
6
g
38
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
12
g
Cholesterol
23
mg
8
%
Sodium
251
mg
11
%
Potassium
433
mg
12
%
Carbohydrates
50
g
17
%
Fiber
3
g
13
%
Sugar
5
g
6
%
Protein
15
g
30
%
Vitamin A
903
IU
18
%
Vitamin C
28
mg
34
%
Calcium
180
mg
18
%
Iron
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
