One Pot Caprese Pasta is the ultimate quick comfort food—a colorful, flavor-packed Italian classic with fresh cherry tomatoes, aromatic basil, and oozy mozzarella, all cooked together in a single pot. Say goodbye to a sink full of dishes and hello to a dinner that looks as good as it tastes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fuss-Free Clean-Up: Everything cooks together in a single pot, so you spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
- Fresh, Vibrant Flavors: Juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella create that classic Caprese magic in every forkful.
- Weeknight-Friendly: This One Pot Caprese Pasta comes together in just about 25 minutes from start to finish—perfect for busy families or impromptu guests.
- Show-Stopping Presentation: Those melty cheese pearls and bright green basil take this dish from cozy comfort to dinner party-ready in seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, fresh ingredients are the secret to making One Pot Caprese Pasta sing. Each brings a distinct note—chewy pasta, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic basil all come together for a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
- Water: The base for cooking your pasta and infusing it with the flavor of all the other ingredients.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the pasta develop a silky texture while cooking in the pot.
- Farfalle (bow tie) pasta: These little “bows” capture the melted cheese and tomato juices beautifully, but any bite-sized pasta works.
- Cherry tomatoes: When halved, they burst with fruity sweetness and create a simple, fresh sauce.
- Fresh basil leaves: Packed into the pot and reserved for garnish, they give that signature Caprese aroma and a pop of color.
- Garlic: Minced for just the right kick—don’t be shy, it brings everything together.
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper: For seasoning and balancing all those summery flavors.
- Part skim shredded mozzarella: Stirred in at the end, it melts into silky, cheesy goodness throughout the dish.
- Fresh mozzarella balls & more basil (optional): For a beautiful garnish and an extra-cheesy finish.
Variations
The beauty of One Pot Caprese Pasta is how endlessly adaptable it can be. Don’t hesitate to swap ingredients or make swaps based on what’s in your fridge or what suits your mood.
- Gluten-Free Pasta: Easily substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and adjust the cooking time accordingly for a celiac-friendly meal.
- Add Protein: Toss in cooked chicken, white beans, or even a handful of shrimp during the last few minutes for a heartier dinner.
- Spice It Up: For a subtle kick, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes in with the garlic.
- Roasted Veggies: Mix in roasted zucchini, eggplant, or artichoke hearts to bulk up the veggie content and add extra flavor.
How to Make One Pot Caprese Pasta
Step 1: Add Everything to the Pot
Grab your largest stockpot and add the water, olive oil, farfalle pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and minced garlic. Season liberally with salt and pepper—this is when the pasta absorbs all those beautiful flavors as it cooks.
Step 2: Bring to a Boil and Simmer
Set the pot over high heat and bring the mixture to a lively boil while stirring occasionally, making sure nothing sticks. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally for about 11–12 minutes until the pasta is tender and most of the water has been absorbed.
Step 3: Stir In the Cheese
Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand for just 2 minutes (this lets everything settle and the pasta finish absorbing the sauce). Then, add the part-skim shredded mozzarella and stir like you mean it! The cheese should melt and coat the pasta in irresistible, stretchy goodness.
Step 4: Taste and Garnish
Give your One Pot Caprese Pasta a taste and adjust the salt or pepper as needed. For the grand finale, spoon it into bowls and top each with a few fresh mozzarella balls and extra basil. Serve right away while the cheese is wonderfully melty.
Pro Tips for Making One Pot Caprese Pasta
- Choose Ripe Cherry Tomatoes: The sweeter and juicier your tomatoes, the more flavorful the sauce will be.
- Stir, But Not Too Often: Give the pasta some gentle stirs as it cooks, especially at the beginning and end, to prevent sticking without breaking up the pasta or tomatoes.
- Add Cheese Off the Heat: Letting the hot pasta melt the cheese prevents clumping and creates the ideal, creamy texture.
- Finish With Fresh Basil: Save a few basil leaves for garnish—it perks up the dish’s aroma and gives you that just-picked, summery feel.
How to Serve One Pot Caprese Pasta
Garnishes
For a true Caprese touch, finish each bowl with a scattering of fresh mozzarella balls (those adorable mini bocconcini!) and a handful of torn basil leaves. If you want extra zing, a drizzle of good balsamic glaze or a crack of black pepper right before serving does wonders.
Side Dishes
This vibrant pasta pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad, garlicky roasted vegetables, or a basket of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of those herby tomato juices. For a cozy meal, add a glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve One Pot Caprese Pasta in a big rustic bowl, family-style, and let everyone help themselves. For parties, portion it into small bowls or cups, each topped with a basil sprig. You can even serve it chilled as a refreshing summer pasta salad at picnics or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To store leftovers, let your One Pot Caprese Pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to three days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy next-day dinners.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it in individual portions if needed. The texture of the cheese may change slightly upon thawing, but it will still be delicious. Make sure to cool it completely and store in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to a month.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of water or milk to the pasta and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring often to keep the cheese silky and prevent sticking. For best results, top with extra basil or mozzarella before serving.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta for One Pot Caprese Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle is fun and holds the sauce well, you can swap in penne, rotini, or spaghetti—just keep an eye on cooking times and the ratio of water to ensure the pasta is perfectly tender.
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What if I can’t find fresh basil?
Fresh basil is classic, but if you only have dried, use a teaspoon (add it to the pot as it cooks). For garnish, try chopped flat-leaf parsley or a sprinkle of arugula for a fresh finish.
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Can I make One Pot Caprese Pasta dairy-free?
Yes, you can! Swap the mozzarella for a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well, and skip the cheese garnish. The tomatoes and basil will still make the pasta shine.
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How do I prevent the pasta from sticking while cooking everything together?
The key is to stir the pot several times while it simmers, especially at the beginning and when the liquid gets low. The olive oil also helps keep things silky and separated.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving easy, vibrant comfort food, One Pot Caprese Pasta will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. With its irresistible flavors and effortless prep, it’s always a crowd-pleaser—give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite weeknight dinner!
Print
One Pot Caprese Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This One Pot Caprese Pasta combines the fresh flavors of cherry tomatoes, basil, garlic, and mozzarella cheese in a quick and easy dish that is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. With just one pot, you can have a delicious pasta meal on the table in no time.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 4 1/2 cups water
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound farfalle (bow tie) pasta
Caprese Mix:
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Additional:
- 1 1/2 cups part skim shredded mozzarella cheese
- Balls of fresh mozzarella cheese and fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a stockpot, combine water, olive oil, pasta, halved tomatoes, basil leaves, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook over high heat and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and continue to cook for 11 to 12 minutes, or until the pasta is thoroughly cooked and water reduced. Stir occasionally. Remove from heat and let stand for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese; stir until thoroughly combined and melted.
- Taste the dish for salt and pepper and adjust accordingly.
- Garnish with fresh mozzarella cheese pearls and fresh basil leaves.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
