Burst Cherry Tomato & Bocconcini Pasta with Basil Pesto
Recipe Introduction
Ever find yourself craving sunshine on a plate? me too. this burst cherry tomato & bocconcini pasta with basil pesto is pure joy.
I first made it after a trip to borough market. honestly, it captures all the best summer flavors.
This isn't your average pasta dish, you know? it's like a hug from italy. the sweetness of burst tomatoes meets creamy bocconcini goodness.
Ready in just 40 minutes. this recipe makes enough for 4 people.
Unlock Italian Bliss: Marinated Bocconcini Balls Delight!
" marinated bocconcini balls ? is that even a thing?" i hear you cry! absolutely. but this recipe doesn't. what it does do is enhance their natural creaminess! this recipe is super easy.
Trust me, it is! roasting those tomatoes unlocks a sweet, intense flavour.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
What's not to love, eh? it's packed with nutrients. the tomatoes are full of antioxidants. this is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Think of it as a flavor bomb. i promise you this is something special.
Plus, it’s versatile. you can easily adapt it to your taste. more chilli? go for it! different pasta? no problem.
Speaking of versatility, though marinated bocconcini recipes are great. i feel this dish really sings! let's dive into those ingredients.
From Simple Ingredients to Exquisite Flavours: The bocconcini magic
We'll need a pint of cherry tomatoes. you’ll also need two cloves of garlic. oh, and don't forget the olive oil.
Red pepper flakes are optional. salt and pepper, of course! you can also use marinated mozzarella balls and some fresh basil.
Honestly, the aroma alone is worth it. let’s do this!
Okay, love! let’s get this bocconcini goodness going. i'm thinking we need to cover all the bits about the stuff you need.
Here's a sneak peek at what we will be needing: the freshest bocconcini and juicy tomatoes yum! .
Ingredients & Equipment
Let's break down everything you need to make my totally scrummy Burst Cherry Tomato & Bocconcini Pasta. Honestly, it's dead easy.
Main Ingredients
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint (570g) . Look for bright red ones. The smell should be sweet!
- Garlic: 2 cloves . You want fresh ones, not the dried out stuff.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Extra virgin, please!
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon . Adds a wee kick.
- Pasta: 1 pound (450g) . Penne is lush here.
- Bocconcini : 8 ounces (225g) . It's gotta be fresh! Soft is perfect.
- Basil Pesto: 1/2 cup (120 ml) . Homemade's best.
- Basil Leaves: For garnish. Fresh is key!
Remember, quality ingredients = a belting meal. You know?
Seasoning Notes
Essential seasoning? Salt and pepper, obvs. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some spice. Don't be shy. Pesto adds a massive flavour punch. Fresh basil lifts everything, honestly.
If you don’t have fresh pesto, you can use pesto from a jar. store-bought is ok.
Marinated Bocconcini is amazing with chilli flakes. Marinated Mozzarella gives it something special. I like to add a squeeze of lemon, personally. Makes it a little zingy.
You can easily find amazing Marinated Bocconcini Recipes or Marinated Mozzarella Balls Recipes online.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need loads of kit. Just the basics, darling.
- Baking Sheet: For roasting tomatoes.
- Large Pot: For cooking pasta. A normal one.
- Colander: For draining pasta.
- Large Bowl: For tossing it all together.
Got no baking sheet? Use a roasting tin. Don't have a colander? Use a plate very carefully. No stress! .
And there you have it! Easy peasy, right? Marinated Bocconcini Balls work brilliantly in this too. Honestly, this is one of my favourite Marinated Mozzarella Balls Appetizers .
Alright, let's get this pasta party started! this recipe for burst cherry tomato & bocconcini pasta with basil pesto is dead easy.
Honestly, even i can't mess it up. perfect for when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Think fresh, vibrant, and utterly satisfying.
Ready, Steady, Prep!
Getting your ducks in a row makes everything smoother. It's called mise en place , innit?
Essential Mise en Place
Halve your cherry tomatoes. Mince the garlic. Drain the bocconcini so it doesn’t get your pasta soggy. Get the pesto ready. Everything within reach saves loads of time.
Time Saving Organization Tips
While the oven heats up, get the pasta water boiling. Multi tasking is key. I like to chop the basil while the pasta cooks.
Safety First!
Be careful when draining the pasta! Steam burns are not fun. Use oven mitts when handling the hot baking sheet. You know? Common sense.
Let's Get Cooking: The step-by-step
Right, here's where the magic happens.
- Preheat the oven to 400° F ( 200° C). This is crucial for those burst tomatoes.
- Toss tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Get them nicely coated.
- Roast for 20- 25 minutes , until the tomatoes are soft and bursting. Mmm, that smell!
- While tomatoes roast, cook pasta until al dente. Don't overcook it! Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water. This stuff is liquid gold.
- Drain the pasta. Add it to the bowl with the roasted tomatoes.
- Add the bocconcini and pesto. Toss gently.
- Add pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. A bit extra can make it super creamy.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and Parmesan. Serve immediately!
Pro Tips for Pasta Perfection
Want to take this dish to the next level? Here’s what I learned from my many attempts.
Expert Techniques
Roast the tomatoes until they are really burst. The caramelization is key. Use good quality bocconcini . The cheap stuff is just rubbery.
Common Mistakes to Dodge
Don't overcook the pasta. al dente means "to the tooth." avoid a mushy mess. taste and adjust the seasoning.
Add more salt, pepper, or pesto to your liking. you know your palate best.
Marinated Bocconcini Recipes for a make-ahead Option
You can roast the tomatoes ahead of time. then, just cook the pasta and toss everything together when you're ready to eat.
For an extra layer of flavour, try marinating the bocconcini in olive oil, herbs, and garlic overnight. that's when the marinated mozzarella balls become incredible!
So there you have it! this burst cherry tomato & bocconcini pasta is my go-to for a quick, flavourful meal.
It's simple, satisfying, and always a crowd pleaser. give it a go and let me know what you think! it might just become your new favourite too.
You can also create lots of marinated mozzarella balls appetizers for a party!
Right then, let's chat about the bits 'n' bobs you need to know for this pasta masterpiece!
Recipe Notes
Right, so you've got the recipe. Now, a few friendly pointers to make sure it's chef's kiss perfect! I reckon these will make all the difference.
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Forget boring bowls, yeah? for this pasta, think rustic chic. honestly, a simple white bowl shows off the colours beautifully.
Twirl the pasta into a little nest. then, artfully arrange the burst cherry tomatoes and bocconcini on top. a generous sprinkle of fresh basil is a must!
Oh, and for drinks? You know, a crisp glass of Pinot Grigio is spot-on. It cuts through the richness nicely. Feeling fancy? A simple side salad adds a bit of freshness.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Right, so leftovers. we've all been there. best way to keep this marinated mozzarella balls pasta? in the fridge, airtight container, sorted.
It'll happily sit there for up to 3 days. honestly, it's usually gone by the next day in my house.
Freezing? not ideal, love. the bocconcini goes a bit weird. but if you absolutely must , freeze the tomato sauce separately before adding the cheese.
Reheat thoroughly. make sure its piping hot, mind you.
Variations: Gettin' Creative
Fancy a tweak? Absolutely! For a dairy-free version, ditch the Marinated Mozzarella altogether. Or, try some roasted veggies instead of cheese. Aubergine or courgette would be amazing.
Seasonal ingredients? Oh my gosh, yes! In the autumn, roasted butternut squash instead of tomatoes? Divine! In the winter, kale pesto? A real game changer!
Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Body
Alright, so here's the lowdown. this pasta is packed with flavour and goodness. tomatoes are full of antioxidants. basil is a little vitamin boost.
The marinated mozzarella balls appetizers adds some protein. it's a proper balanced meal, yeah?
Plus, the carbs will give you energy. You know, to tackle that mountain of laundry. Honestly, a little bit of what you fancy does you good! Don't feel guilty enjoying this dish.
Honestly, this Burst Cherry Tomato & Bocconcini Pasta is a winner. A total crowd pleaser. Give it a go! I reckon you'll be making it again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly are bocconcini, and can I use something else if I haven't got any knocking about?
Bocconcini are small, fresh mozzarella cheese balls, often packed in water or whey. They're delightfully creamy and mild, making them perfect for dishes like this pasta. If you can't find bocconcini, you can easily substitute with regular fresh mozzarella, just chop it into bite sized pieces.
You could even get away with using burrata for an extra indulgent, creamy experience, though it's a bit posher!
How long will this Burst Cherry Tomato & Bocconcini Pasta keep in the fridge, assuming I don't scoff the lot in one go?
Leftover pasta should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and will keep for up to 2 days. However, bear in mind that the bocconcini's texture might change slightly, becoming a little firmer.
Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or olive oil to prevent it from drying out; microwaving works in a pinch, but isn't the Queen's favourite method.
Can I make this bocconcini pasta dish ahead of time? I'm planning a dinner party, you see.
While the roasted tomatoes can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge, it's best to cook the pasta and assemble the dish just before serving. This ensures the pasta is al dente and the bocconcini remains creamy.
If you absolutely must prep further in advance, consider keeping the roasted tomatoes and cooked pasta separate, then toss with the bocconcini and pesto just before serving, warming it through gently if needed. It's like having a sneaky advantage in the kitchen!
What are some variations I can try to jazz up my bocconcini pasta? I'm feeling a bit adventurous!
Fancy a bit of a twist? You could add grilled chicken or prawns for extra protein. Some people enjoy adding other roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers alongside the tomatoes. For a richer flavor, try adding a dollop of mascarpone cheese or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts.
And if you’re a bit of a chilli fiend, don't be shy with the red pepper flakes!
Is this Burst Cherry Tomato & Bocconcini Pasta a healthy option? What's the nutritional lowdown?
This pasta dish contains approximately 650 calories, 25g of protein, 35g of fat and 65g of carbohydrates per serving, but this will vary depending on your exact ingredients and portion sizes. It's a fairly balanced meal, offering carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.
To make it even healthier, you could use whole wheat pasta, reduce the amount of pesto, or add more vegetables. As always, moderation is key, just like that extra slice of Victoria sponge!
Help! My basil pesto is a bit bitter. What can I do to fix it when making this bocconcini pasta?
A bitter pesto can sometimes happen, especially with store-bought versions. Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. You can also add a tiny pinch of sugar to balance the bitterness or mix in a spoonful of ricotta cheese for a creamier, milder taste.
If all else fails, a drizzle of good quality olive oil can help mellow out the flavors, just like a proper cuppa can soothe any ailment!
Burst Cherry Tomato Bocconcini Pasta With Basil
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 35g |
| Fiber | 5g |
