Caprese pasta with Parma ham: A quick and delightful Italian dish

Caprese pasta combines elements most associated with Italian cuisine: tomatoes, olive oil, Parma ham, mozzarella, and basil. Preparation is swift and only slightly longer than the time it takes to cook the pasta.

This pasta is a fantastic option for a quick dinner or lunch at work. When served cold, it transforms into a salad; when served hot, it becomes a delectable dish. I utilise whole-grain pasta in this recipe, which contains more fibre, making it more effective at satisfying hunger pangs. It's simple, fast, but above all, extremely tasty.

Caprese is, of course, associated with a salad of mozzarella and tomatoes. It is this classic combination that inspired the creation of this pasta. Additionally, the entire dish is enhanced by baked, crumbled Parma ham, which serves as a delicious topping.

This dish tastes best when tomatoes are juicy, fragrant, and flavoured. Caprese pasta with Parma ham is an ideal dinner recipe for 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,
• 110 grams of mozzarella in brine,
• 140 grams of 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 200°C for about 10 minutes. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.

Step 2. Score the tomatoes and put them in boiling water to make removing the skin easier. Cut out the core and use a teaspoon to remove the pulp and seeds. Season with salt and pepper, then 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!