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10-Minute Caprese Pasta Skillet

A quick and fresh Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish featuring cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and aromatic basil.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic thinly sliced
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves torn
  • 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook penne pasta in boiling water until al dente.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  4. Sauté garlic in the skillet until fragrant and pale golden.
  5. Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they soften and release juices.
  6. Stir in red pepper flakes and sea salt.
  7. Drain pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of cooking water, and add to the skillet.
  8. Pour in reserved pasta water and toss until the sauce is glossy.
  9. Remove from heat and fold in mozzarella pearls.
  10. Garnish with fresh basil and drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water.