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Indulge in our single serving Caprese pasta, bursting with fresh tomatoes, aromatic garlic, creamy mozzarella, and vibrant basil. Quick and satisfying and ready in 20 minutes!
Looking for more delicious single serving pasta recipes? You’ll love our selection! Try our vibrant Mediterranean Pasta with Shrimp, packed with fresh flavors. Or, indulge in zesty Pasta al Limone. For a classic treat, whip up a satisfying Shrimp Scampi, or enjoy the comforting flavors of our Spaghetti and Meatballs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: This recipe is beginner-friendly, requiring minimal ingredients and steps. Even if you’re new to the kitchen, you’ll find it a breeze to prepare.
- Flavorful: Despite its simplicity, this dish doesn’t compromise on flavor. The harmony of hearty pasta, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil creates a satisfying meal.
- Adaptable: This recipe can easily be modified to suit various dietary preferences. Whether you prefer whole wheat pasta or a vegan cheese alternative, it’s flexible to your needs.
- Quick: Ideal for those busy days or when you’re not in the mood for elaborate cooking. You’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- Recipe doubles well: This recipe yields one generous bowl of the best Caprese pasta! If you’d like to make a second bowl, just double the ingredient amounts.
What Is Caprese Pasta?
Imagine your favorite Caprese salad – juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil – turned into a delicious pasta dish perfect for one! This single serving Caprese pasta recipe is quick, easy, and avoids any leftovers.
Picture this: tender pasta tossed with fresh tomatoes, a hint of garlic, cubes of mozzarella, and a sprinkle of basil. It’s a burst of vibrant flavors perfect for a satisfying lunch, dinner, or even a snack. This simple combination of fresh ingredients is ideal for anyone who loves a delicious meal without any waste. You’ll want to make this right away!
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this single serve Caprese pasta recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Pasta: Any pasta shape works well in this recipe. I love to use angel hair pasta when I make Caprese pasta. As a general rule, 2 ounces of dry pasta (57g) is a good amount for one serving. A 2 ounce serving of angel hair pasta measures 2 1/8 inch circumference. This amount yields 1 cup of cooked angel hair pasta. Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option or gluten-free pasta if you have a gluten intolerance. Consider using leftover pasta in Pesto Pasta or Buttered Noodles.
- Tomatoes: I find that 2 ripe Roma tomatoes are the ideal amount to use in this recipe. Instead, you can use sweet cherry tomatoes which may be more convenient to use because of their size or you can substitute them with sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper, more concentrated flavor. Extra tomatoes can be added to Ratatouille or Cioppino.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a lot of flavor to this dish. Because I love garlic, I use 2 cloves. Feel free to reduce it to one if preferred.
- Olive oil: I use extra virgin olive oil in this Caprese pasta recipe and in every other recipe on One Dish Kitchen that calls for olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is the least processed form of olive oil. It is an unrefined oil and the highest-quality olive oil you can buy. Because of the way extra virgin olive oil is made, it retains a more true olive taste. It also contains more of the vitamins and minerals found in olives. It’s my favorite type of olive oil, but you may use light olive oil instead.
- Mozzarella cheese: Fresh mozzarella is used in this recipe, but feel free to swap it out for a vegan cheese alternative if you’re dairy-free. Leftover mozzarella can be used in Lasagna Rollups or Stuffed Shells.
- Italian seasoning: The main herbs in Italian seasoning are basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, use one or two of these herbs instead.
- Basil: Fresh basil is best for its vibrant flavor and aroma.
- Parmesan cheese: I recommend using freshly grated cheese.
Recipe Variations
Caprese pasta is a classic dish that can be varied in numerous ways to suit different palates and dietary needs. Here are four variations you might consider:
- Caprese Pasta Salad: This is a cool, refreshing variation perfect for warm weather or as a side dish. Simply toss cooked and cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves. Dress it with a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Chicken Caprese Pasta: Add a protein punch to your Caprese pasta by including cooked chicken. You can season the chicken with Italian herbs for additional flavor. This turns your pasta dish into a more filling meal that’s perfect for dinner.
- Caprese Pasta Bake: This is a warm, comforting variation. Mix your cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella in a baking dish, then sprinkle with breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Bake until it’s bubbly and golden brown. It’s a great way to get that melty, cheesy goodness we all love.
- Vegan Caprese Pasta: For those on a plant-based diet, use a vegan mozzarella cheese substitute and a vegan pasta. You could also add some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor boost. Toss with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a good quality olive oil.
Remember, the key to a good caprese pasta in any form is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients wherever possible. Fresh mozzarella and ripe tomatoes can make a big difference, as can a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil.
How To Make Caprese Pasta For One
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make a small batch of Caprese pasta. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for about 8 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente – tender, yet firm. Drain and set the pasta aside.
Pro Tip: Adding salt to boiling water during pasta cooking is a simple step that significantly enhances the dish’s flavor. As pasta tends to have a rather bland taste, the addition of salt to the cooking water allows the pasta to absorb it, resulting in a more savory flavor. This process effectively enhances the subtle taste of the pasta.
- Heat olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and Italian seasoning and cook, stirring frequently for 30 seconds.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and salt and sauté, stirring frequently for 2 minutes.
Note: Sautéeing chopped tomatoes in olive oil helps the tomatoes to release their natural sugars and juices which enhances their sweetness and overall flavor. It also makes them softer, helps to concentrate their flavor, and reduces their acidity.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Add the mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese and toss to combine.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Sauté your garlic: For a richer flavor, be sure to sauté your garlic in olive oil before adding it to the dish. This helps to release the flavors and reduce the rawness of the garlic.
- Don’t overcook your pasta: Aim for al dente pasta, which should still have a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta can become mushy.
- Freshness is key: The fresher the tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella, the better. This dish is all about showcasing these fresh ingredients.
- Salt your pasta water: Adding salt to your pasta water can significantly enhance the flavor of your pasta. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference.
- Drain, don’t rinse: After cooking your pasta, drain it but do not rinse it. The starch that clings to the pasta will help the ingredients adhere better.
- Use quality olive oil: Since this recipe has so few ingredients, the quality of each one counts. Using good quality olive oil can significantly enhance the flavor of your dish.
- Serve immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve your Caprese pasta immediately after preparation. The warm pasta will help melt the mozzarella slightly, creating a delightful creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
This dish is best served fresh, but if necessary, it can be made ahead and refrigerated. Warm it up gently before serving.
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu can be a great addition.
While Caprese pasta is traditionally made with tomatoes, you can certainly add other vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrients and flavor.
You could add a splash of cream or a spoonful of cream cheese to your pasta right before serving to make it creamy. Remember to heat it gently to prevent the dairy from curdling.
Traditional Caprese Pasta isn’t vegan due to the mozzarella cheese. However, you can easily make it vegan by replacing the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses with vegan cheese alternatives.
You can make this dish gluten-free by using a gluten-free pasta. There are many great options available in the market today, such as rice, corn, or quinoa pasta.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful Caprese pasta with a slice of crusty bread and a glass of your favorite wine. For a more substantial meal, consider a side salad or roasted vegetables. Enjoy the simplicity and freshness of this delightful, single serving meal.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
For more information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.
For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.
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Caprese Pasta For One
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ounces angel hair pasta (A 2 ounce serving of angel hair pasta measures 2 ⅛ inch circumference. This amount yields 1 cup of cooked angel hair pasta.)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil -divided
- 2 cloves garlic -chopped
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 ripe Roma tomatoes -chopped
- ⅛ teaspoon salt -plus more for salting the pasta water
- 1 ounce fresh mozzarella cheese -cut into ½-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for about 8 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente – tender, yet firm. Drain and set the pasta aside.Pro Tip: I add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the water. Adding salt to the water when cooking pasta helps to enhance the flavor of the pasta. By adding it to the boiling water, the pasta absorbs the salt, leading to a more savory taste.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and Italian seasoning and cook, stirring frequently for 30 seconds.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and ⅛ teaspoon of salt and sauté, stirring frequently for 2 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese and toss to combine.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper and enjoy!
Notes
- Sauté your garlic: For a richer flavor, be sure to sauté your garlic in olive oil before adding it to the dish. This helps to release the flavors and reduce the rawness of the garlic.
- Don’t overcook your pasta: Aim for al dente pasta, which should still have a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and may not hold the sauce as well.
- Freshness is key: The fresher the tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella, the better. This dish is all about showcasing these fresh ingredients.
- Salt your pasta water: Adding salt to your pasta water can significantly enhance the flavor of your pasta. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference.
- Drain, don’t rinse: After cooking your pasta, drain it but do not rinse it. The starch that clings to the pasta will help the ingredients adhere better.
- Use quality olive oil: Since this recipe has so few ingredients, the quality of each one counts. Using good quality olive oil can significantly enhance the flavor of your dish.
- Serve immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve your Caprese pasta immediately after preparation. The warm pasta will help melt the mozzarella slightly, creating a delightful creaminess.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
I followed the recipe and used heirloom tomato I picked up from our farmer’s market. Exceptionally good! Nourished body and soul, thank you.
Good recipe.