The first thing I made was this caprese pasta. I can’t wait for my cherry tomatoes to be ripened so I can use those too. But I kid you not, we have ate it at least once a week for the past month or so. The flavors and textures are so fresh and delicious. Plus you’ll love how…
- it’s done and on the dinner table in 20 minutes
- it satisfies your pasta craving without being overly rich and heavy
- made on the stove-top, so no heating up your house
- the flavor profile is complex (fresh, tangy, herbaceous, creamy)
- you can use your garden veggies and herbs, if you grow your own
We also like to use our basil harvest in my Garlic Basil Chicken recipe.
Caprese Penne Pasta Ingredients
Here’s everything you will need to make this recipe, plus a few notes and potential substitutions. Pay careful attention to the notes for the balsamic glaze!
How to Make Caprese Penne Pasta
1. COOK THE PENNE PASTA according to package instructions and do not rinse it. You’ll also want to reserve pasta water for the balsamic sauce.
2. MAKE THE BALSAMIC SAUCE by sautéing tomatoes, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes in the olive oil. Add balsamic glaze and Italian seasoning.
3. ADD PENNE PASTA and pasta water toss together until it is well coated in the sauce.
4. TOSS IN the mozzarella pearls, fresh basil, and season with salt and black pepper to your taste preferences. You can even drizzle a small amount of balsamic glaze over the finished pasta.
How to Store Leftover Pasta
Although I doubt you’ll have leftovers, we never do. The caprese pasta should be stored in an airtight container and in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can eat leftovers cold or lightly warmed up using the microwave.
Things to Eat With Your Caprese Penne Pasta
This pasta is a meal in itself, but I also love it with homemade focaccia or a crusty garlic bread. If you want to add protein, grilled chicken, mackerel, and steak are great choices.
I personally like it with a glass of dry wine and a slice of lemon curd cake to follow. No matter how you serve it, I know it’s going to be delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
More Easy Dinner Recipes To Try
There is nothing better than a delicious dinner with minimal ingredients. Here are more ideas for you.
Caprese Penne Pasta
EQUIPMENT
- skillet - large, 12 inch
- large pot - with straining cover
INGREDIENTS
- 8 ounces penne pasta - reserve ⅓ cup pasta water
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 10 ounces cherry tomatoes - halved
- 3 cloves garlic - grated or finely minced
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- salt - to taste
- black pepper - to taste
- ⅓ cup mozzarella pearls
- ⅓ cup basil
INSTRUCTIONS
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add and cook the penne according to package instructions (typically 10 to 12 minutes). Reserve ⅓ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta, do not rinse.
- In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stir and sauté until fragrant for 1 minute.
- Add the balsamic glaze, Italian seasoning, and half of the pasta water. Stir and allow it to heat together for another minute.
- Once it begins to lightly simmer, add the penne pasta. Stir together until the sauce coats the pasta. NOTE: If the pasta sauce seems dry, add more pasta water a little at a time.
- Remove skillet from heat, add mozzarella pearls, fresh basil, and toss a few times. Season with salt and black pepper to taste and add a small drizzle of balsamic sauce before serving.
RECIPE NOTES
Storing Information
- Refrigerated, in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing or storing at room temperature is not recommended.
Serving Suggestions
- tastes great with a homemade focaccia or a crusty garlic bread
- add a protein like grilled chicken, mackerel or other types of fish, steak
- my preference is with a glass of dry white wine and a slice of lemon curd cake
Metric conversions are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.