Caprese Pesto Pasta with Mozzarella and Basil

Caprese Pesto Pasta with Mozzarella and Basil is a fresh, vibrant Italian-inspired dish that captures the soul of Mediterranean cooking. It combines al dente pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, and a homemade basil pesto sauce for a harmony of flavors that’s both light and indulgent.

This dish embodies the essence of a traditional Caprese salad — tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella — but transforms it into a comforting and aromatic pasta meal. The nutty, garlicky pesto clings to every strand of pasta, while the melted mozzarella adds a rich creaminess that makes every bite irresistible.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s fresh, quick, and deeply satisfying. It’s one of those meals that feels gourmet but can be made in under 30 minutes.

The homemade basil pesto adds such vibrant flavor, the tomatoes burst with sweetness, and the mozzarella gives that wonderful melty, creamy texture.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The combination of pesto, basil, mozzarella, and tomatoes is unbeatable — fragrant, creamy, tangy, and utterly satisfying.

It’s also a dish that works year-round: refreshing in the summer with garden-fresh basil and tomatoes, and comforting in the winter when you crave a taste of sunshine.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings

• Serves 4 people

Calories (per serving)

• Approximately 480–520 kcal

Cuisine

• Italian

Course

• Main Course / Dinner / Lunch

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fusilli)
• 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Pesto Sauce:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• ¼ cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
• 2 cloves garlic
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Optional: juice of ½ lemon for brightness

For the Caprese Mix:

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Simple Cooking Directions

Cook the pasta until al dente, blend the basil pesto, toss everything together with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella, and serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions.
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
4. Drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Basil Pesto

1. In a food processor or blender, add basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
2. Pulse until finely chopped.
3. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Add lemon juice if desired for a touch of acidity.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Pesto

1. In a large skillet or bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the pesto sauce.
2. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the noodles evenly.

Step 4: Add the Caprese Ingredients

1. Gently stir in cherry tomatoes and mozzarella pearls.
2. Warm briefly on low heat just until the mozzarella starts to soften (do not overheat).
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Serve hot or at room temperature.
2. Top with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.
3. Drizzle with olive oil for a glossy finish.

How to Serve

Serve this pasta in shallow bowls with a fresh basil sprig and extra Parmesan on top.

Perfect Pairings:

• Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices
• A light green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
• A glass of Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or sparkling water with lemon

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use fresh basil for the best pesto flavor — wilted leaves can taste bitter.
• Toast your pine nuts lightly in a pan before blending for a deeper, nutty aroma.
• Don’t overheat the mozzarella — it should be soft and melty, not stringy.
• If the pesto feels too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of pasta water to loosen it.
• Add lemon juice or zest for a bright, refreshing flavor contrast.

Variations

1. Chicken Pesto Pasta: Add grilled chicken strips for protein.
2. Shrimp Pesto Pasta: Toss with sautéed shrimp for a seafood twist.
3. Vegan Version: Use vegan mozzarella and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
4. Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta: Swap basil pesto with sun-dried tomato pesto for a richer taste.
5. Roasted Veggie Caprese Pasta: Add roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant for extra depth.

Freezing and Storage

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of olive oil or water to loosen the sauce.

Freezing:

• Pesto can be frozen separately for up to 3 months in an airtight jar or ice cube tray.
• Avoid freezing the full pasta dish — mozzarella and tomatoes lose texture upon thawing.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Blender or food processor for pesto
• Wooden spoon or tongs
• Large serving bowl or skillet

FAQ

Q1: Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes! While homemade pesto gives the freshest flavor, high-quality store-bought pesto works beautifully for a quick version.

Q2: Can I use different nuts?
Absolutely. Walnuts, almonds, or cashews all make great substitutes for pine nuts.

Q3: Can I make it cold like a pasta salad?
Yes — chill the cooked pasta, toss with pesto and tomatoes, then add mozzarella just before serving.

Q4: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use your favorite gluten-free pasta — it works perfectly with this recipe.

Q5: How can I make the pesto creamier?
Add 1–2 tablespoons of ricotta cheese, Greek yogurt, or cream to the pesto when blending.

Conclusion

Caprese Pesto Pasta with Mozzarella and Basil is a celebration of simplicity, freshness, and flavor. It captures everything that’s wonderful about Italian cuisine — the balance of creamy, tangy, and herbal notes all in one dish.

Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners, this pasta is bright, aromatic, and effortlessly elegant. Whether you serve it warm for comfort or cold as a refreshing pasta salad, it’s bound to become a family favorite.