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Mirjana

Spaghetti Alla Caprese With Zucchini and Fresh Mozzarella

Let me take you on a culinary journey inspired by warm memories and a love for fresh flavors! Picture this: the sun-kissed shores of Hvar in Croatia, where my friend Annie shared the magic of Caprese salad with velvety mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil. That taste of friendship and Mediterranean bliss stayed with me, inspiring this cozy yet vibrant pasta creation.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
  • 1 medium onion
  • 1 bell pepper
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
  • 6-8 white mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 red Serrano pepper
  • 1 tbsp pesto (optional)
  • 1/2 cup grated Romano or Mozzarella cheese
  • 1 6 oz can tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp raw cane sugar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 3/4 tsp of each: salt, pepper, and dry basil and oregano
  • 1/2 lb fresh Mozzarella cheese (1-inch balls)
  • 8 oz thin spaghetti
  • chopped fresh basil and Italian parsley for serving

Method
 

  1. Prepare ingredients.
    ingredients,for,caprese,spaghetti
  2. Sauté and Simmer: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic, onions, and mushrooms until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add bell pepper, zucchini, Serrano pepper, and optional pesto. Cook uncovered for 15 minutes, then add 1/2 cup water, cover, and simmer on low for an additional 10 minutes.
    vegetables,in,skillet
  3. Prepare Tomato Sauce: While veggies cook, mix tomato paste with 2 cups of water and cornstarch. Set aside for later use.
  4. Combine and Thicken: Pour the tomato mixture into the cooked vegetables after about 40 minutes of simmering. Add grated cheese and spices. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens to your liking, around 5 minutes more.
    skillet-tomato-sauce
  5. Add Mozzarella Magic: Gently fold in fresh mozzarella balls, allowing them to warm through in the sauce for a couple of minutes while you prepare the pasta.
    Cook Spaghetti: Cook thin spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
    Serve in Style: Plate your spaghetti and generously ladle the zucchini-mozzarella-tomato sauce on top. Sprinkle with fresh basil and parsley for that final burst of flavor and color. Don't forget some crusty artisan bread on the side to mop up every last bit of goodness!
    spaghetti,served,with,bread,aqua,background