This One Pot Caprese Pasta is the answer to busy weeknights when you want a comforting, flavorful dinner without a pile of dishes. Imagine bow tie pasta simmered with juicy cherry tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil—all finished with melty mozzarella for a dish that delivers vibrant Italian flavors in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together in just one pot, so you get big Caprese flavors and minimal cleanup.
- Fresh & Vibrant: Juicy tomatoes and fresh basil make the pasta taste like a summer garden in every bite.
- Melty, Cheesy Goodness: Both shredded and fresh mozzarella deliver the ultimate creamy pull and authentic Caprese twist.
- Family Friendly & Fast: It’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together in under 30 minutes—the perfect answer to “what’s for dinner?”
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this One Pot Caprese Pasta is how it turns just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients into a dish with major wow-factor. Each element brings its own magic: color from the tomatoes, flavor from garlic and basil, and that signature cheesiness from mozzarella.
- Farfalle (Bow Tie) Pasta: These cute little bows hold onto the cheesy sauce and look irresistible on the plate. You can swap with penne or rotini if needed!
- Cherry Tomatoes: Bursting with juiciness and natural sweetness, they’re the heart of every Caprese-inspired dish.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: The pop of herbal aroma and vibrant green color set the whole pasta apart—don’t skimp here!
- Garlic: Three minced cloves give just enough savory bite to complement the fresh flavors.
- Olive Oil: Used for richness and to help the sauce come together silkily as everything cooks.
- Water: The pasta cooks right in it, soaking up flavor from the other ingredients—it’s the secret to the “one pot” magic.
- Part-Skim Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts lusciously into the hot pasta for creaminess in every bite.
- Fresh Mozzarella Cheese Balls: For garnish—they give beautiful cream pockets and that real-deal Caprese finish.
- Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Season to taste so every bite sings.
Variations
The best part about One Pot Caprese Pasta is how endlessly adaptable it is! You can mix and match what’s in your kitchen or make it suit any palate or dietary need.
- Gluten-Free Pasta: Simply swap the regular farfalle for your favorite gluten-free pasta variety—just keep an eye on the cooking time, as some gluten-free pastas cook a bit faster.
- Add Protein: Toss in cooked shredded chicken, crispy pancetta, or white beans right at the end for extra heartiness.
- Spinach Twist: Stir in a big handful of baby spinach during the last two minutes for bonus greens and a pop of color.
- Extra Creamy: For a silkier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or drizzle of pesto while stirring in the cheese.
How to Make One Pot Caprese Pasta
Step 1: Bring Everything Together
Start by grabbing your largest stockpot—trust me, this makes stirring so much easier. Add the water, olive oil, farfalle pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, half of your fresh basil leaves, minced garlic, and a good pinch each of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Give it all a gentle stir to combine so every noodle is surrounded by flavor before you hit the heat.
Step 2: Simmer and Soak Up Flavor
Set your pot over high heat and bring everything to a lively boil. Once it’s bubbling, drop the heat to a simmer. Let it cook—uncovered—for 11 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the pasta tender and some liquid still left in the pot; it’ll become your glossy, tomato-basil sauce. The tomatoes will burst, creating a gorgeous sauce, and the garlic will infuse every bite.
Step 3: Get Cheesy
Once your pasta is cooked and most of the water is absorbed, remove the pot from the heat and let it stand for a couple of minutes. While it’s still piping hot, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese. Don’t be shy—mix until it’s melty and strings from spoon to pasta, coating every noodle with creamy goodness. Taste and tweak the seasoning with a little more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Now comes the fun part: Top the finished One Pot Caprese Pasta with nuggets of fresh mozzarella cheese balls and scatter over a few more torn basil leaves. This not only makes your dish look stunning but brings that signature Caprese texture and pop of color. Serve it up right away while it’s still creamy and the cheese is delightfully gooey.
Pro Tips for Making One Pot Caprese Pasta
- Pick the Freshest Tomatoes: The juicier and sweeter your cherry tomatoes, the more flavorful your sauce will be—seek out ripe, vibrant ones for best results.
- Reserve Extra Basil for Garnish: Add fresh basil both during cooking and at the end for maximum herbal freshness and aroma.
- Monitor the Pot: Stir occasionally and keep an eye on the liquid—if it looks too dry before the pasta is done, just splash in a little more water.
- Add Cheese Off the Heat: For the creamiest melt without stringy cheese, stir in the shredded mozzarella after removing the pot from the burner.
How to Serve One Pot Caprese Pasta
Garnishes
Go all in with extra torn basil leaves and shiny pearls of fresh mozzarella scattered over the finished pasta. A drizzle of your favorite good olive oil and a crack of black pepper make it restaurant fancy in seconds.
Side Dishes
This easy One Pot Caprese Pasta is a standalone star, but if you want to round out the meal, think crisp green salads, homemade garlic bread, or a platter of roasted vegetables—each brings something wonderful alongside the creamy, cheesy pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon the pasta into shallow bowls and top with a swirl of pesto for vibrant color, or serve family-style in a big serving dish, layered with basil and mozzarella for a dramatic, drool-worthy centerpiece. For parties, scoop into individual ramekins or even serve cold as a pasta salad twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover One Pot Caprese Pasta (lucky you!), simply let it cool to room temperature and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will keep melding and get even better!
Freezing
While this dish is at its absolute best fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a pinch. Transfer completely cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to one month. For best texture, thaw in the fridge before reheating, as the cheese can sometimes separate after freezing.
Reheating
To bring One Pot Caprese Pasta back to life, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or milk to loosen things up. Stir well and, if you like, add a fresh sprinkle of mozzarella and a few more basil leaves to restore that just-made taste.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta for One Pot Caprese Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle adds a fun shape and texture, you can swap in penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time and add a bit more water if necessary—different pastas absorb liquid differently.
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Do I need to use both shredded and fresh mozzarella?
Using both gives the dish a beautiful mix of melty and creamy textures, but if you have only one, it will still taste fantastic! Shredded cheese melts in for creaminess, while fresh mozzarella adds lovely pockets of soft cheese—pick whichever you prefer, or use both for the full Caprese experience.
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Can I make One Pot Caprese Pasta vegan?
Yes! Swap regular mozzarella for your favorite plant-based mozzarella alternative, and use a vegan-friendly pasta. You’ll retain all the flavor and creamy goodness while making it entirely plant-based.
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What if my pasta absorbs all the water before it’s done?
No worries—just add a splash or two of extra hot water and continue cooking until the pasta reaches your desired tenderness. Be sure to stir and monitor frequently; one pot pastas can go from perfect to overcooked quickly!
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Caprese Pasta is everything I love in a meal—fresh, cheesy, unfussy, and utterly full of flavor. If you need a quick dinner that still feels special and joyful, give this recipe a try. I promise: you’ll want to add it to your weekly rotation!
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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 is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that combines the fresh flavors of a classic Caprese salad with pasta in a single pot, making it a convenient and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
For the One Pot Caprese Pasta:
- 4 1/2 cups water
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound farfalle (bow tie) pasta
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
For Garnish (Optional):
- Balls of fresh mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
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: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
