Caprese pasta with Parma ham: A quick dish for busy days

Caprese pasta combines the ingredients most associated with Italian cuisine: tomatoes, olive oil, Parma ham, mozzarella, and basil. Preparing it is quick and will take just a little longer than cooking the pasta.

This pasta is an excellent option for a quick dinner or lunch at work. When cold, it turns into a salad; when hot, it becomes a delicious dish. I use whole-grain pasta in this recipe, which contains more fibre, making it better at quieting a growling stomach. It's simple, fast, but above all, delicious.

Caprese is, of course, associated with a salad of mozzarella and tomatoes. This iconic combination inspired the creation of this pasta. Additionally, baked, crumbled Parma ham enhances the whole dish, becoming 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
• 115 grams mozzarella in brine
• 140 grams 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 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!