Ingredients and Weight:
- 1 pound dried pasta (such as penne, fusilli, or rotini)
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved
- 1 cup ripe cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh Thai basil
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Difficulty Level: 2 (Easy)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
- While the pasta is cooking, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Add the mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and Thai basil to the bowl and toss to combine.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the bowl with the dressing. Toss to coat.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving (1 cup):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15 grams
- Protein: 15 grams
- Carbohydrates: 45 grams
Dish Characteristics:
- Fresh and flavorful with a combination of sweet tomatoes, savory mozzarella, and fragrant basil.
- The Thai basil adds a subtle Asian twist to the classic Italian dish.
- Suitable for vegetarian and gluten-free diets when using gluten-free pasta.
User Comments:
- "This pasta is a perfect summer dish! It's light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor." - Anne
- "I love the combination of flavors and textures in this dish. The Thai basil adds a unique touch." - John
- "I made this for a dinner party and everyone raved about it. It was easy to make and incredibly delicious." - Sarah
Special Precautions and Tips:
- For a creamier sauce, use fresh burrata cheese instead of mozzarella.
- If you don't have fresh Thai basil on hand, use a combination of Italian basil and cilantro.
- Let the pasta cool slightly before serving to prevent the mozzarella from melting too much.
