Caprese-Inspired Pasta Roll: Whipped Ricotta & Burst Tomato Sauce 🍅🍝
If you’re looking for an impressive yet approachable pasta dish that blends fresh Italian flavors with a delightful gourmet twist, look no further. This Caprese-inspired pasta roll features tender homemade pasta filled with luscious whipped ricotta and Parmigiano Reggiano, topped with a vibrant, burst cherry tomato sauce and fresh basil leaves. It’s both sophisticated and comforting, perfect for any special occasion or a luxurious dinner at home.
Ingredients:
Pasta:
- 1 cup ‘00’ wheat flour
- ½ cup semolina
- Zest of 1 lemon
Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta, whipped
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano
- Lemon zest (from one lemon)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cherry Tomato Sauce:
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- Salt to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Preparation:
Start by making your pasta dough by combining ’00’ wheat flour and semolina, adding enough water to form a soft dough. Knead until smooth, then let it rest covered for at least 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the filling by combining ricotta, Parmigiano Reggiano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whip together until creamy and smooth.
Roll out the pasta dough into a thin, rectangular sheet. Spread an even layer of whipped ricotta mixture over the dough, then carefully roll it up tightly into a log shape. Slice into rounds about 2 cm thick.
Arrange the pasta slices onto a baking dish, sprinkle with additional Parmigiano, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 20-25 minutes, until golden.
To prepare the sauce, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, add sliced garlic, and sauté until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they burst, releasing their juices. Season with salt.
Serve pasta rolls topped generously with cherry tomato sauce, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy this flavorful, elevated twist on classic Italian comfort food!
