Caprese Pasta Skillet

$For a tasty Caprese Pasta Skillet, you need: - 8 ounces fusilli or penne pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved - 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls, halved - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn - 1 teaspoon balsamic glaze - Salt and pepper to taste - Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving) These ingredients work together to create a fresh and bright meal. The pasta gives you a nice base. The garlic adds flavor, while the cherry tomatoes bring sweetness. The mozzarella makes the dish creamy. Lastly, the basil gives it a wonderful aroma. You can get creative with your Caprese Pasta Skillet. Here are some fun ideas: - Grilled chicken or shrimp for protein - Spinach or arugula for extra greens - Pine nuts for crunch - A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat These toppings can change the dish's taste and texture. They also help you customize the meal to fit your mood. If you don’t have something on hand, you can swap ingredients easily. Here are some suggestions: - Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option - Swap cherry tomatoes for diced regular tomatoes - Try burrata cheese instead of mozzarella for a creamier texture - Use any fresh herbs like parsley or oregano instead of basil These substitutions keep the dish fun and flexible. You can still enjoy a great meal even if you don’t have every ingredient. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a large skillet. Fill it with water and bring it to a boil. Add a good pinch of salt. This helps flavor the pasta. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of fusilli or penne pasta. Cook it as the package says, usually about 8–10 minutes. You want it al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later. Now, let’s move on to the fun part. In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Once hot, toss in 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute until it smells great. Next, add 1 pint of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for 4 to 5 minutes. You want them to soften and start to burst. This brings out their sweetness. After that, stir in the pasta, 8 ounces of halved fresh mozzarella balls, and half of the torn basil leaves. Mix everything together well. Add salt and pepper to taste. Now it’s time to drizzle in 1 teaspoon of balsamic glaze. This gives the dish a tangy kick. Toss everything again to combine it all. Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the pasta hot. Garnish with the rest of the basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. You can serve it right in the skillet for a rustic look. Enjoy your quick and tasty meal! To get the best pasta, cook it until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Always use a large pot of boiling water. Add a good pinch of salt; this helps flavor the pasta. Stir the pasta often while it cooks. This keeps it from sticking together. Check the package for cooking time, but start tasting a minute or two early. Drain it well, but do not rinse. Rinsing washes away the starch that helps sauces stick. Seasoning is key for a tasty Caprese Pasta Skillet. Start with fresh garlic. Sauté it in olive oil until it smells great. Use a mix of salt and pepper for balance. When you add cherry tomatoes, let them cook until they burst. This releases their sweet juice. The balsamic glaze adds depth and tang. You can also use fresh herbs like basil. Torn basil leaves add a fresh kick at the end. Experiment with additional spices if you like. Just remember, less is often more. Presentation can make your dish even more appealing. You can serve it directly from the skillet for a cozy look. If you prefer individual plates, that works too. Add a few fresh basil leaves on top for a pop of color. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a nice touch. For extra flair, you can drizzle more balsamic glaze on top. This adds flavor and makes the dish look gourmet. Remember, we eat with our eyes first! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mozzarella and basil make a significant difference in flavor. Opt for high-quality ingredients for the best results. Don't Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the skillet with the other ingredients. Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. Perfect Balsamic Glaze Drizzle: A light drizzle of balsamic glaze enhances the dish's flavor. Use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the other ingredients. {{image_2}} You can add protein to your Caprese Pasta Skillet. Grilled chicken is a great choice. Simply slice the chicken and mix it in with the pasta. Shrimp also works well. Sauté shrimp in olive oil until pink, then combine. If you prefer plant-based options, try adding chickpeas for a healthy boost. They add texture and protein without meat. For a vegetarian twist, replace the mozzarella with vegan cheese. Look for brands that melt well. You can also use grilled zucchini or eggplant as a hearty addition. Both add flavor and texture. Another option is to mix in spinach or kale. They cook down nicely and add nutrients without overpowering the dish. Cheese is key to the dish's flavor. If you want to switch it up, use burrata cheese. It’s creamier and adds a rich taste. Feta cheese can also work well. Crumble it on top for a salty kick. If you want a sharper taste, try goat cheese. It pairs nicely with the tomatoes and basil. Choose any cheese that you love for a personal touch! After enjoying your Caprese Pasta Skillet, let it cool first. Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. This dish tastes great even after a day or two! To reheat, you can use the stove or a microwave. For the stove, heat a small amount of olive oil in a pan. Add the pasta and stir until hot. If using a microwave, place the pasta in a bowl. Cover and heat for about 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway to ensure it heats evenly. You can freeze Caprese Pasta Skillet if you want to save some for later. Use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for the pasta to expand. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it as mentioned above for best results. Yes, you can use any pasta you like! Fusilli and penne work great. You can also try spaghetti, rotini, or farfalle. Just remember to cook it until al dente. This keeps the pasta firm and tasty in the dish. To make Caprese Pasta Skillet vegan, swap the mozzarella with vegan cheese. You can also use avocado for creaminess. Instead of balsamic glaze, use balsamic vinegar for flavor. This keeps the dish fresh and delicious without dairy. Caprese Pasta Skillet pairs well with a simple green salad. You can add a light vinaigrette for a nice touch. Garlic bread also makes a great side. For drinks, try sparkling water with lemon or a glass of red wine. In this blog post, we explored how to make a delicious Caprese Pasta Skillet. We covered the main ingredients, helpful tips, and fun variations. You can easily swap ingredients and choose your favorite toppings. Remember, the right pasta texture is key for the best taste. Storing and reheating are simple too. Make this meal your own by adding protein or trying different cheeses. Enjoy experimenting and have fun in the kitchen!$

A delicious and easy one-pan pasta dish featuring fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

8 ounces fusilli or penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls, halved
1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
1 teaspoon balsamic glaze
to taste salt and pepper
for serving Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

In a large skillet, bring water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 4–5 minutes until they soften and start to burst.
Stir in the cooked pasta, mozzarella balls, and half of the torn basil leaves, mixing everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the pasta and toss again to combine. Remove from heat.
Serve hot, garnished with the remaining basil and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Serve directly in the skillet for a rustic look, or plate individually, adding a fresh basil leaf on top for color.

Keyword caprese, pasta, quick meal, skillet