If you’re looking for a quick and tasty dinner idea, this Fettuccine with Mozzarella, Tomatoes, Olives, and Capers is perfect.
The combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, briny olives, and capers tossed with fettuccine is simply delicious. Plus, it’s super easy to make and only takes about 20 minutes.
Let me show you how to make this flavorful pasta dish, which is sure to become a favorite in your home, too.
Fettucini with Mozzarella, Tomatoes, Olives and Capers
Course: MainCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy4
servings5
minutes20
minutes2800
kcalFettuccine with Grape Tomatoes, Olives, and Capers is a vibrant and flavorful Italian-inspired pasta dish.
This recipe combines al dente fettuccine with juicy grape tomatoes, creamy Bocconcini di Mozzarella, savory sliced olives, and tangy capers. It is all tossed in a simple garlic and extra-virgin olive oil sauce with a hint of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
It's a quick and easy meal, perfect for weeknight dinners, and offers a delightful balance of fresh and rich flavors. The dish is satisfying and nutritious, making it an excellent choice for a delicious, home-cooked meal.
Ingredients
1 lb. fettuccine pasta
1 small package of Bocconcini di Mozzarella (mozzarella mini)
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1/3 cup pitted olives, sliced
1 1/2 tablespoons capers
1 clove garlic, peeled and chopped
1/8 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
black pepper
Directions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, cook the fettuccine following the package directions until it's al dente.
- While the pasta cooks, combine the halved grape tomatoes, Bocconcini di Mozzarella, sliced olives, capers, chopped garlic, olive oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a large serving bowl. Stir everything together well.
- When the pasta is ready, save some cooking water before draining the fettuccine.
- Add the drained fettuccine to the bowl with the sauce ingredients and toss until everything is well mixed. If the pasta seems a bit dry, gradually add the reserved cooking water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Notes
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the fettuccine, save a cup of the cooking water. This starchy water can be added to the pasta and sauce mixture to achieve the desired consistency and help the sauce cling better to the pasta.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh grape tomatoes, Bocconcini di Mozzarella, and high-quality olives. Freshly chopped garlic and freshly ground black pepper will enhance the dish's overall taste.
- Adjust Spice Level: The red pepper flakes add a bit of heat to the dish. Adjust the amount based on your preference. Start with a smaller amount if you're sensitive to spice, and add more if you like it hotter.
- Mixing the Ingredients: Mix the sauce ingredients in a large serving bowl before adding the pasta. This ensures the flavors are well combined and evenly distributed throughout the dish.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh. Serve it immediately after tossing the pasta with the sauce to appreciate the flavors and textures fully.
What Readers Often Ask About
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, linguine, or penne. We recommend pasta from one of these authentic brands. Adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
What if I can’t find Bocconcini di Mozzarella?
You can use regular fresh mozzarella balls, cut into bite-sized pieces, or even mozzarella pearls as a substitute.
3. Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of grape tomatoes?
Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes work just as well and can be halved like grape tomatoes.
4. What type of olives should I use?
You can use any pitted olives, such as Kalamata or green olives. Just make sure they are of good quality for the best flavor.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They can be reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of water or olive oil if needed.
6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ingredients (tomatoes, olives, capers, garlic, and mozzarella) ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta just before serving and toss everything together.
7. Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian. You can substitute the mozzarella with a plant-based cheese alternative or omit it to make it vegan.
8. Can I add more vegetables?
Sure! You can add more vegetables, such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini, to make the dish even more nutritious.
9. How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. If you prefer to be less spicy, you can reduce the amount or omit the red pepper flakes entirely.
10. What if the pasta seems dry?
If the pasta seems dry after tossing with the sauce ingredients, add some reserved pasta cooking water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
11. How do I know when the pasta is al dente?
Pasta is al dente when cooked but still firm to the bite. Check the pasta a minute or two before the recommended cooking time on the package to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
12. Can I use pre-minced garlic?
Freshly chopped garlic is best for flavor, but pre-minced garlic can be used in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of pre-minced garlic