Caprese Spaghetti Nests with Mozzarella and Tomato Sauce

Spaghetti Caprese Nests
Category: Main Courses
Servings: 8

Ingredients

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

To begin preparing your Spaghetti Caprese Nests, start by making the tomato sauce. Peel and finely chop the onion, or use a food processor for a quicker option. In a large saucepan, pour a small amount of extra virgin olive oil and sauté the onion over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Allow it to soften and become translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.

Once the onion is ready, add the tomato passata and a pinch of salt. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently over low heat for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. As the sauce cooks, it will thicken and reduce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—add a little more salt or a pinch of black pepper for balance.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, typically for about 10 minutes. However, you want to slightly undercook the pasta by about 2 minutes since it will continue cooking in the sauce.

Once the pasta is almost cooked, drain it and add it directly to the tomato sauce. Stir to combine and let the spaghetti soak up the flavors for about 2-3 minutes. Tear the fresh basil leaves by hand and stir them through the pasta for an extra burst of freshness.

Step 3: Form the Nests

While the spaghetti is soaking in the sauce, prepare your muffin tin. Lightly grease each cavity with butter or olive oil. Once the pasta is ready, begin forming the nests by placing the spaghetti in the muffin tin. Gently twirl and shape the spaghetti into small nests, ensuring each portion has an even amount of sauce and pasta.

Step 4: Assemble the Nests

Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Grana Padano DOP cheese over the top of each pasta nest, letting it melt slightly into the hot spaghetti.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the muffin tin with the spaghetti nests in the oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the nests are slightly golden and crispy on top.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the nests are ready, remove them from the oven. Carefully transfer each nest to a serving platter. For a beautiful, fresh garnish, top each nest with a quartered cherry tomato, a mini mozzarella ball (ciliegina), and a fresh basil leaf. Finish with a sprinkle of black pepper for an added layer of flavor.

Serve immediately while the nests are warm, and enjoy your delicious Spaghetti Caprese Nests—an elegant, bite-sized take on the classic Caprese flavors!

Bon Appétit!

This dish combines the best of Italian comfort food in a fun, bite-sized form. The richness of the tomato sauce, the softness of mozzarella, and the freshness of basil come together perfectly in these savory pasta nests, making for an irresistible main course. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a delightful weekday meal, Spaghetti Caprese Nests will impress.