Caprese Pasta with Fresh Basil
A vibrant pasta dish featuring sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and fragrant basil for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor burst. This italian-inspired pasta (mediterranean) ready in about 35 minutes pairs (spaghetti) pasta, cubed mozzarella balls, chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (spaghetti) pasta
- 1 cup, cubed mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup, chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves (minced) garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 3 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1 tsp salt; cook for 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Toss cooked pasta into the skillet, adding 1/4 cup pasta water to loosen the sauce. Stir in 1 cup cubed mozzarella until melted and evenly coated.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil leaves.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Caprese Pasta with Fresh Basil take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Caprese Pasta with Fresh Basil?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (spaghetti) pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Caprese Pasta with Fresh Basil?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Caprese Pasta with Fresh Basil for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Caprese Pasta with Fresh Basil?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
