Caprese Pasta Skillet Delight

$- 8 ounces fusilli or penne pasta - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved - 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls, cut in half - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn - 1 teaspoon balsamic glaze - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving You can swap fusilli or penne with any pasta you like. Spaghetti or rotini work well too. For olive oil, use canola oil or avocado oil if needed. If you can't find fresh mozzarella, try using shredded mozzarella or even feta cheese for a tangy twist. Cherry tomatoes can be replaced with grape tomatoes or any diced tomatoes if that's what you have. Fresh basil is lovely, but you can also use dried basil in a pinch. Just use less. If you want a sweeter touch, replace the balsamic glaze with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. This dish serves four and offers a balanced meal. Each serving contains about: - Calories: 450 - Protein: 15g - Carbohydrates: 55g - Fats: 20g - Fiber: 3g - Sugars: 4g These numbers can vary based on your ingredient choices and portions. Adjust to fit your dietary needs. Enjoy this meal knowing it’s tasty and nutritious! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by filling a large skillet with water. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add a good pinch of sea salt to the water. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once the pasta is done, drain it and set it aside for later. In the same skillet, pour in two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Add two cloves of finely minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about one minute until it smells great but does not brown. Next, toss in one pint of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook these for about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir them occasionally until they soften and start to burst. Now it’s time to mix everything together. Gently fold in the drained pasta into the skillet. Add the halved mozzarella balls and half of the roughly torn basil leaves. Stir everything well to combine. Season the mix with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Drizzle one teaspoon of balsamic glaze over the pasta, and toss everything one more time. This step adds a nice touch of sweetness. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat to keep the dish fresh and vibrant. To cook perfect pasta, use a large pot with plenty of water. Add a good pinch of sea salt before boiling. This helps bring out the pasta's flavor. Stir the pasta in the pot every few minutes. Cook it until it's al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Drain the pasta quickly to keep it from getting mushy. For a fun serving style, keep the pasta in the skillet. Let everyone help themselves. If you want a fancier look, plate the pasta in bowls. Add a fresh basil leaf on top for color. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This makes the dish look and taste amazing! You can change this dish to suit your tastes. If you want a kick, add crushed red pepper flakes. For a creamier dish, mix in a little heavy cream. If you need it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Want it vegan? Skip the cheese and use plant-based options. The best part is you can create your own version! Pro Tips Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for fusilli or penne as they hold the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use the freshest mozzarella and basil you can find, as they significantly enhance the dish's overall flavor. Control the Heat: Be careful not to overcook the garlic; sauté it just until fragrant to avoid bitterness. Presentation is Key: Serving the pasta in the skillet offers a rustic charm, while individual plating can add an elegant touch for special occasions. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish gluten-free. Use gluten-free pasta made from rice or corn. Just cook it as you would regular pasta. The flavors of the dish will still shine through. To make this dish vegan, skip the mozzarella and Parmesan. Instead, use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste. You can also add extra veggies like spinach or zucchini for more nutrients. Want to kick up the flavor? Try adding crushed red pepper flakes for some heat. A squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness. You can even mix in olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a twist. Each of these options will enhance the dish and make your meal unique. I love enjoying Caprese Pasta Skillet fresh, but leftovers are a treat too. To store, let the pasta cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. It can stay in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover it well to keep the flavors fresh. When it's time to enjoy leftovers, you can reheat them easily. The best way is to use a skillet. Heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the pasta, stirring gently until it's warm. You can also use a microwave. Just place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. If you want to save Caprese Pasta Skillet for later, it freezes well. Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned before for the best taste. You can use fusilli or penne pasta for this dish. Both shapes hold sauce well. Fusilli twists grab the sauce perfectly. Penne offers a nice bite with its tubular shape. Choose whichever pasta you like best! Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and mix it with the sauce. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to serve, just reheat it gently. Caprese Pasta can last in the fridge for about three days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty for your next meal. You can serve a simple green salad as a side dish. A fresh arugula salad with a lemon dressing works well. Garlic bread also pairs nicely if you want something warm and crunchy. Yes, you can use balsamic vinegar as a substitute. Just drizzle a little more than the glaze. If you want a sweeter option, try honey or maple syrup mixed with vinegar. This gives a nice flavor twist! This blog post covered how to make a tasty Caprese Pasta Skillet. We discussed the best ingredients and substitutes, plus shared nutritional info. I provided detailed steps for cooking, tips for perfect pasta, and ideas for serving. You learned about gluten-free and vegan options, ensuring everyone can enjoy this dish. Lastly, we discussed how to store leftovers and answered common questions. With these insights, you can create a delicious meal that meets different tastes and needs. Enjoy your cooking!$

Caprese Pasta Skillet Delight

A vibrant and fresh pasta dish featuring cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, all cooked in one skillet.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

8 ounces fusilli or penne pasta
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls, cut in half
1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
1 teaspoon balsamic glaze
to taste sea salt
to taste freshly cracked black pepper
for serving freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Begin by filling a large skillet with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of sea salt and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente perfection. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
In the same skillet used for the pasta, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Introduce the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and release their juices, starting to burst beautifully.
Gently fold in the cooked pasta, halved mozzarella balls, and half of the torn basil leaves, mixing everything together thoroughly. Season this vibrant mixture with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the flavors.
Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the pasta and toss once more to ensure an even coating. Remove the skillet from the heat to keep the freshness intact.
Serve the dish while it's hot, garnished with the remaining basil leaves and a generous handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a delightful finish.

Notes

For a rustic charm, serve directly in the skillet, allowing guests to help themselves.

Keyword caprese, easy, one-pot, pasta, skillet