Caprese pasta with parma ham: A quick and tasty Italian delight

Caprese pasta combines the quintessential elements of Italian cuisine: tomatoes, olive oil, Parma ham, mozzarella, and basil. The preparation is quick and takes a bit longer than cooking the pasta.

This pasta is a fantastic option for a quick dinner or lunch at work. When cold, it transforms into a salad; when hot, it becomes a delightful dish. I use whole-grain pasta in this recipe, which contains more fiber, making it more satisfying. It’s simple, fast, but above all, delicious.

Caprese is, of course, known for its mozzarella and tomato salad. This iconic combination inspired the creation of this pasta. Additionally, baked, crumbled Parma ham enhances the whole dish and becomes a delicious topping.

This dish tastes best right now when tomatoes are juicy, fragrant, and full of flavor. Caprese pasta with Parma ham is an ideal recipe for dinner on a busy day.

Ingredients:                              

• 4 slices of Parma ham
• 3 tomatoes
• 6 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 handful of fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• ⅓ teaspoon of pepper
• 4 oz mozzarella in brine
• 5 oz whole-grain pasta

Preparation:

Step 1: Place the slices of Parma ham on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in an oven preheated to 400°F for about 10 minutes. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.

Step 2: Score the tomatoes and put them in boiling water to remove the skin easily. Cut out the core and use a teaspoon to remove the pulp and seeds—season with salt and pepper and mash.

Step 3: Drizzle the mashed tomatoes with olive oil and add chopped basil. Mix thoroughly.

Step 4: Combine the resulting sauce with the cooked pasta. Add pieces of mozzarella and crumbled, baked Parma ham. Drizzle with olive oil, and it’s ready. Enjoy!