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Easy 4-Ingredient Caprese Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes Perfect for Quick Dinners

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A quick and simple Caprese pasta recipe using just four fresh ingredients—cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and pasta—perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
  • 2 cups (300 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained and torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (optional but recommended)
  • Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional but recommended)
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil using about 1 tablespoon of salt per 4 quarts (4 liters) of water.
  2. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of pasta to the boiling water. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook according to package instructions minus 1 minute for al dente texture (usually 8 to 10 minutes).
  3. While pasta cooks, halve 2 cups (300 grams) of cherry tomatoes, tear 8 ounces (225 grams) of fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces, and roughly chop or tear 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves.
  4. Reserve about 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta cooking water before draining.
  5. Drain the pasta using a colander and immediately transfer to a large mixing bowl. Pour in the reserved pasta water to keep it moist and help bind the ingredients.
  6. Add cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil to the pasta. Toss gently with tongs or a pasta fork to combine without squashing the tomatoes or mozzarella.
  7. Drizzle with 1 to 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Toss again to coat everything evenly.
  8. Season with a pinch of flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Give one last gentle toss.
  9. Serve immediately, best enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Notes

If the pasta feels dry, add more reserved pasta water or olive oil to loosen it. Avoid over-tossing to prevent breaking the mozzarella or crushing the tomatoes. Do not rinse pasta after draining to keep starch for better sauce adhesion. For vegan adaptation, substitute mozzarella with plant-based cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, Italian pasta, 4-ingredient recipe

Find it online: https://sizzlesprout.com/easy-4-ingredient-caprese-pasta-recipe-with-cherry-tomatoes-perfect-for-quick-dinners/