Caprese Pasta

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta
• 2 cup cherry tomatoes
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 clove garlic
• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze (optional)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Steps

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. While pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice or tear the fresh mozzarella.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes until they begin to soften.
5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes. Stir in the fresh basil, mozzarella, salt, and pepper.
6. If desired, add a splash of reserved pasta water to create a light sauce. Toss gently until mozzarella slightly melts.
7. Serve immediately, optionally drizzled with balsamic glaze.