Easy Caprese Brie Pasta Food

BAKED BRIE PASTA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Using a paring knife, score a 1/4-inch border around the edges of the top of the Brie about 1/4-inch deep. Carefully slice off the top rind in one piece using a chef's knife and staying within the border to make a lid; set the top aside.
• Place the Brie in an 8-inch cast-iron skillet and top the center with the sun-dried tomatoes, wine, red pepper, garlic and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cover with the reserved top rind. Bake just until the cheese is melted and bubbling, 18 to 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, during the last 10 minutes of baking, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain.
• Remove the top rind from the Brie. Sprinkle the basil over the melted cheese and gently stir to combine. Using tongs, gently toss a quarter of the pasta in the center of the melted cheese until coated and transfer to a plate. Repeat with the remaining 3 portions of pasta. If the cheese sauce thickens, stir in some pasta water, a tablespoon at a time.

PASTA CAPRESE

Steps:

• Whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, shallot and garlic in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Add sugar, if desired (depending on the sweetness of your tomatoes). Add the tomatoes and gently toss. Marinate at room temperature, about 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs. Drain in a colander and run under cold water to stop the cooking.
• Add the pasta and mozzarella to the tomato mixture and toss. Stir in the basil and lemon zest, and season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate, tossing occasionally, until serving.

ONE-POT CAPRESE PASTA

Steps:

• Place the tomatoes, spaghetti, water, garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano and oil in a stockpot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
• Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from heat and stir in the basil, mozzarella and salt and pepper to taste. Serve with Parmesan if using.

CAPRESE BRIE ON THE GRILL

Steps:

• In large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes and garlic , then toss with olive oil.
• Season to taste with salt, pepper and red pepper flakes.
• Place brie in cast Iron skillet then top with tomato mixture.
• Place on hot grill and cook until brie is melted, about 20 minutes. (Just because it isn't oozing, doesn't mean it's not hot and ready, to test just poke sides with a knife to see if cheese is melty inside).
• Drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with basil.
• Serve warm with baguette slices.