Rustic Italian Caprese Pasta Sauté

A simple yet elegant Caprese-inspired pasta dish featuring fresh cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil.

⏱️ Cooking Time: 20 minutes | 🍽️ Servings: 1

Instructions

1. 1.
   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté them gently, stirring occasionally, until they soften and start to release their juices, about 5-7 minutes. This process helps create a light, fresh sauce directly in the pan.
2. 2.
   Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the tomatoes. Stir until the pasta is well coated with the tomato juices. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to assist in binding the ingredients and creating a cohesive sauce. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
3. 3.
   Gently place slices of fresh mozzarella over the pasta and cover the skillet with a lid. Allow the cheese to melt slightly, about 2 minutes. The goal is to have the cheese become soft and slightly gooey, enveloping the pasta.
4. 4.
   Remove the lid and mix in the torn basil leaves. Toss everything together until the basil is just wilted. The fresh basil adds a vibrant aroma and herby freshness to the dish, balancing out the richness of the cheese.
5. 5.
   Serve immediately, ensuring each serving has a balance of tomatoes, spinach, pasta, and mozzarella. If you prefer a bit more seasoning, a pinch of salt and cracked black pepper can be sprinkled on top to enhance the flavor further.