If you're a fan of Caprese salad, just wait until you try it tossed with pasta. This Caprese Pasta combines juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil, garlic, and olive oil into a simple dish that tastes like summer in every bite. It's fresh, colorful, packed with flavor, and comes together in about 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade without a lot of fuss.
The beauty of this easy tomato mozzarella pasta is that it lets a handful of fresh ingredients do all the heavy lifting. As the tomatoes cook, they release their juices and create a light sauce that coats every piece of pasta. Add creamy mozzarella, plenty of fresh basil, and a splash of balsamic vinegar, and suddenly you've got a restaurant-worthy dinner with surprisingly little effort.
This is one of those recipes I find myself making on repeat during tomato season when fresh basil is overflowing and cherry tomatoes are at their peak. It's light enough for warm summer evenings but satisfying enough to earn a spot in your regular weeknight dinner rotation.
This tasty pasta dish was inspired by my Caprese Salad and Caprese Pasta Salad, and pairs beautifully with this amazing Pull Apart Garlic Bread for a simple Italian-inspired meal.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Caprese flavors in pasta form. If you love classic Caprese salad, you'll love this pasta version. The combination of sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, basil, and olive oil creates all the familiar flavors you love, but in a hearty pasta dish that's satisfying enough for dinner.
- Quick and easy enough for weeknights. This easy pasta recipe comes together in about 25 minutes using simple ingredients and minimal prep. While the pasta cooks, the tomatoes soften and create the base of the sauce, making this one of those reliable dinners you'll turn to again and again.
- Perfect summer pasta. Fresh tomatoes and basil shine in this recipe, making it ideal during the warmer months when gardens and farmers markets are overflowing with produce. It feels light, fresh, and seasonal while still being comforting.
- Simple ingredients, big flavor. There are no complicated techniques or long ingredient lists here. A few pantry staples and fresh ingredients come together to create a surprisingly flavorful tomato mozzarella pasta that's greater than the sum of its parts.
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Ingredients and Substitutions
To make this delicious Caprese Pasta, you will need the following ingredients (see recipe card below for quantities):
- pasta - Fusilli, penne, farfalle, rotini, or other short pasta shapes work well because they hold onto the tomato juices and mozzarella.
- cherry tomatoes - The star of the dish. As they cook, they soften and release their juices, creating a light sauce. Grape tomatoes can also be used.
- fresh mozzarella - Mozzarella balls are convenient, but diced fresh mozzarella works beautifully too. Burrata can be used for an extra indulgent version.
- fresh basil - Fresh basil leaves are essential for authentic Caprese flavor. Dried basil won't provide the same freshness.
- extra virgin olive oil - Adds richness and helps bring all the flavors together.
- garlic - Fresh garlic adds savory depth and complements the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- balsamic vinegar - Provides brightness and balances the richness of the mozzarella.
- salt and black pepper - Essential for enhancing the flavors.
- Parmesan cheese - Optional, but adds a salty, nutty finish.
- balsamic glaze - Optional but highly recommended for serving. It adds a touch of sweetness and makes the dish feel extra special.
Equipment
You'll also need measuring cups and spoons, a large pot, colander, large skillet, wooden spoon, cutting board, knife, and cheese grater if grating Parmesan.
Instructions
- Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Sauté the garlic. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Soften the tomatoes. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and release some of their juices.
- Combine the pasta and tomatoes. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the pasta is lightly coated in the tomato juices and oil.
- Add the Caprese ingredients. Remove the pan from heat and gently stir in the fresh mozzarella, basil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Finish with toppings. Top with grated Parmesan cheese if using and drizzle with a little balsamic glaze for extra flavor. Serve immediately while warm.
Expert Tip: Add the Mozzarella Off the Heat
Fresh mozzarella melts quickly. Removing the skillet from the heat before adding it allows the cheese to soften slightly without completely melting into the sauce. You'll get those delicious creamy pockets of mozzarella throughout the pasta instead of one giant cheese blob.
More Tips and Tricks
- Cook the pasta al dente. Slightly firm pasta holds up better when tossed with the tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Reserve pasta water. A splash of reserved pasta water helps create a silky sauce and brings everything together.
- Use ripe tomatoes. The better the tomatoes, the better the finished dish. Sweet, ripe cherry tomatoes provide the most flavor.
- Tear the basil. Tearing fresh basil instead of chopping helps preserve its flavor and prevents bruising.
- Serve immediately. Caprese pasta is at its best while warm, when the mozzarella is soft and creamy.
Recipe Variations
- Chicken Caprese Pasta. Add grilled chicken breast for extra protein and a heartier meal.
- Caprese Pasta with Burrata. Replace the mozzarella with burrata for an extra creamy and luxurious version.
- Spicy Caprese Pasta. Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Pesto Caprese Pasta. Stir in a spoonful of basil pesto for even more basil flavor.
- Mediterranean Caprese Pasta. Add olives and artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
- Caprese Pasta Salad. Let the pasta cool and serve chilled for a delicious cold pasta salad variation. This is also a great way to serve any leftovers! See our Caprese Pasta Salad recipe for another option.
Storage
How to Store
Store leftover Caprese pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or olive oil if needed to loosen the pasta.
How to Freeze
Freezing is not recommended, as fresh mozzarella can become watery and lose its texture after thawing.
How to Serve
This Caprese pasta is delicious on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides for a complete meal. Since the pasta is fresh and light, it works especially well with simple salads, vegetables, and bread.
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this tomato mozzarella pasta:
Side Dishes for Pasta
For more recipe ideas, check out our collection of pasta side dishes, featuring everything from fresh salads and roasted vegetables to crusty breads and flavorful appetizers that pair perfectly with any pasta dinner.
FAQ
Caprese pasta is inspired by the classic Italian Caprese salad, which traditionally combines tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and sometimes balsamic vinegar. This pasta version takes those same ingredients and tosses them with cooked pasta to create a simple and flavorful meal.
You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but this dish is best served fresh. The tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella have the best texture when combined shortly before serving.
Short pasta shapes such as fusilli, penne, farfalle, and rotini work especially well because they catch the tomato juices and help distribute the mozzarella throughout the dish.
Yes, but fresh mozzarella provides the creamy texture and authentic flavor that makes Caprese pasta special. If using regular mozzarella, choose a high-quality mozzarella and cut it into small cubes.
If the pasta seems dry, it usually needs a little more pasta water or olive oil. Reserved pasta water helps create a light sauce that coats the pasta and brings all the ingredients together.
Absolutely. This recipe can be served warm, room temperature, or chilled. When served cold, it becomes a delicious Caprese pasta salad that's perfect for picnics, potlucks, and summer gatherings.
More Vegetarian Pasta Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
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Recipe
Caprese Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Caprese pasta with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze. Easy tomato mozzarella pasta ready in 25 minutes.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces short pasta (fusilli, penne, or farfalle)
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls or diced fresh mozzarella
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
- balsamic glaze (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and release some of their juices.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the pasta is lightly coated in the tomato juices and oil.
- Remove the pan from heat and gently stir in the fresh mozzarella, basil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese if using and drizzle with a little balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
How to store:Â Store leftover Caprese pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How to reheat:Â Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or olive oil if needed to loosen the pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
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