Take advantage of summer’s fresh ingredients and whip up this easy 15 Minute Caprese Pasta for dinner without breaking a sweat. Fresh tomatoes, basil and mozzarella are tossed together with angel hair pasta for the quickest dinner ever.

two white bowls with capers pasta in them on a blue and white striped napkin.


Caprese Pasta

When the weather warms up, I love to have quick and easy dinners in my back pocket so I can spend more time outside and less time doing dishes. This easy Caprese Pasta is my go to, especially when summer tomatoes are at their peak!

Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella and herbs are combined with pasta in a light sauce that makes this dinner taste like you were slaving all day. But it’s ready in literal minutes from start to finish and it vanishes just as quickly.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll quickly add this caprese pasta to your weekly rotation soon after the last bite is gone.

white pasta bowl with angel hair pasta tossed with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella with a sprig of basil on top

How to Make Caprese Pasta

I like to take advantage of the food nature gives up during the summer months, like tomatoes and fresh basil. They always taste the best this time of year and are wonderful tossed in absolutely anything like this super simple pasta salad.

  1. Cook the pasta. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta to al dente.
  2. Make the sauce. While the pasta cooks, make the sauce in a skillet with olive oil, tomatoes, garlic, butter and herbs.
  3. Finish the pasta. Add the pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Stir in the cheese and serve hot.
Caprese Pasta in a white bowl with a vintage fork.

Serving Suggestions

I like to serve my 15 Minute Caprese Pasta Skillet with a light salad like this Citrus Spinach Salad. It’s the perfect quick dinner that will leave you with plenty of time to lounge around enjoying the balmy summer nights.

caprese pasta in a white bowl on top of a blue and white striped towel.

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Caprese Pasta in a white bowl with a vintage fork.

Get the Recipe: Caprese Pasta Recipe

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Caprese pasta is a light and fresh pasta dish celebrating the classic flavors of Caprese salad: ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and quality olive oil.
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Ingredients

  • 8 ounces angel hair pasta, fresh
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 8 ounces grape tomatoes
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh, chopped basil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella balls, fresh (or diced fresh mozzarella)
  • salt and pepper

Equipment

  • 1 stockpot
  • 1 skillet

Instructions 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add the pasta to the water and cook according to package directions.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the tomatoes to the skillet. Cook until blistered and beginning to pop open, approximately 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the basil, butter and vinegar. Turn the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Transfer to the pasta to the skillet using tongs. Turn the heat off and toss the pasta with the sauce. Add the mozzarella and toss to combine. Add 1 cup reserved pasta water if more sauce is needed.
  • Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Serve immediately.
Calories: 347kcal, Carbohydrates: 46g, Protein: 10g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 12mg, Sodium: 40mg, Potassium: 288mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 679IU, Vitamin C: 9mg, Calcium: 74mg, Iron: 1mg
Author: Kellie
Course: Dinner, lunch
Cuisine: American, Italian