Description
This easy Caprese pasta is a perfect quick and fresh dinner for kids on a warm evening. It uses simple ingredients and is ready in minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta (like penne, farfalle, or fusilli)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved or quartered if large
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped or torn
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- While the pasta is still warm, transfer it back to the pot or a large bowl.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil to the pasta.
- Drizzle with the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze (if using).
- Gently toss everything together until combined.
- Add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water if the pasta seems dry.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For picky eaters, you can serve the ingredients separately and let them build their own bowl.
- If you don’t have balsamic glaze, a splash of balsamic vinegar will also work.
- You can add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 20mg