Quick Caprese Pasta

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Yield: 2-4 servings

Ingredients:

½ box pasta of choice

½ cup fresh basil, plus a few sprigs for garnish

1 small clove garlic (if using a Garlic-based Dipping Oil or Garlic EVOO, you may want to omit)

1 tsp fresh oregano, chopped

3 Tbsp Flying Olive Basil, Garlic, Dipping Oil of Choice, Tuscan Herb, or Flying Olive Single Varietal of Choice

A few grinds of sea salt (try one of our Mediterranean-inspired sea salts from Salts of the Earth Sea Salt such as Arrabiatta di Roma, Mediterranean Memories, or Little Italy*)

A few grinds of black pepper

½ pint cherry tomatoes, cut into halves

¾ c fresh mozzarella balls (cilegine or cherry sized), divided

Flying Olive Traditional 18 Year Balsamic, if desired

Grated Parmesan Cheese, if deisred

Directions:

Follow the pasta package directions. Add salt and cook the pasta 1 minute less than required so that it will be al dente or firm to the tooth.

Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water. Return the pasta to the cooking pot.

Meanwhile, in a blender or food processor, add the basil (except those for garnish), oregano, and garlic clove. Pulse to roughly chop. Add the Flying Olive EVOO of choice and pulse a few more times. Add a few grinds of sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Set aside until pasta is ready.

Add the tomatoes and half of the basil/garlic mixture, and a few Tbsps of water. Cook for about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally, adding more pasta water if the pasta begins to stick. Add ½ the cilegine mozzarella balls to the pasta. The pasta is ready when the mozzarella cilegine begin to melt and the tomatoes start to wilt a little. Add more pasta water if the pasta seems a bit dry. Taste and add more salt and pepper as needed.

When the pasta mixture is heated through, divide the pasta among plates. Add a few cilegine and a sprig of basil for garnish. Divide and drizzle the remaining basil/garlic mixture. If desired, drizzle on a little Flying Olive Balsamic Vinegar and grated Parmesan cheese.

Submitted by Barb L.

*Available in the Eastgate Store