Caprese Spaghetti Nests

17/11/2023

Caprese spaghetti nests are a dish that combines the tradition of spaghetti with the creativity and freshness of the flavors from the island of Capri. Here’s how to prepare them:

Ingredients

320 g of spaghetti
200 g of cherry tomatoes
200 g of buffalo mozzarella (or fiordilatte)
A few leaves of fresh basil
2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Oil for frying

Preparation

Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil to cook the spaghetti. Follow the cooking times indicated on the package, but drain them al dente because they will undergo further cooking in the oven.
In the meantime, cut the cherry tomatoes in half and the mozzarella into small cubes. Set them aside.
Drain the spaghetti and cool them under cold running water to stop the cooking process.
Season the spaghetti with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of salt, and black pepper to taste. Mix well to flavor them.
Prepare a baking tray lined with parchment paper. With the help of a fork, take a portion of spaghetti and twirl it around the fork to form a nest, then place it on the tray. Repeat until all the spaghetti are used up.
Insert the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella cubes in the spaces between each nest, trying to distribute them evenly.
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 10-15 minutes, or until the mozzarella has melted and the nests are slightly golden.
Remove from the oven and complete each nest with fresh basil leaves.

Curiosity

The name “Caprese nests” is inspired by the final appearance of the dish which resembles nests, and the fresh and Mediterranean flavors typical of Capri cuisine. This dish is a fun and appetizing way to present a classic like spaghetti with tomato and mozzarella.

Always remember to adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste, and you can vary the herbs to give a different touch each time. Moreover, if you have guests who avoid frying oil, you can opt for baking, for a lighter version.