Peach & Tomato Caprese Pasta

Serves 4 · 15 min prep · 12 min cook

Ingredients

• 12 oz short pasta such as rigatoni or fusilli
• 2 large ripe peaches
• 1 lb heirloom or vine tomatoes
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls or ciliegine
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
• 1.5 tsp kosher salt
• 3/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan

Instructions

1. 1Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta until just shy of al dente according to package timing, usually 1 minute less than the stated time, so it can finish in the sauce.
2. 2While the water heats, dice the peaches and tomatoes into roughly ¾-inch chunks and place them in a large heatproof serving bowl. Add the mozzarella pearls.
3. 3Thinly slice the garlic and tear most of the basil leaves, reserving pretty leaves for garnish. Add garlic, torn basil, olive oil, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the peach-tomato mixture and toss gently so the fruit starts to release juices.
4. 4When the pasta is ready, reserve a cup of the starchy cooking water, then drain the pasta. Immediately tip the hot pasta into the bowl with the peach-tomato mixture.
5. 5Toss vigorously for a full minute so the residual heat slightly softens the peaches and tomatoes and melts the mozzarella edges into a creamy coating. Splash in reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until the sauce looks glossy and clings to every piece.
6. 6Fold in the grated Parmesan and taste; the dish should taste bright, sweet-savory, and well-seasoned. Adjust salt or a pinch more red pepper flakes if needed.
7. 7Drizzle balsamic glaze over the top in thin ribbons and scatter the reserved whole basil leaves. Serve right away in shallow bowls while the mozzarella is still soft and stretchy.
8. 8Offer extra black pepper and olive oil at the table so everyone can finish their own plate. This pasta is excellent slightly warm or at room temperature for a backyard spread.