Name: Fifteen-Minute Caprese Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 8 oz short pasta penne or fusilli; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved; 1 clove garlic minced, optional; 4 oz fresh mozzarella torn or pearls; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves torn; 1/2 tsp sea salt plus more for pasta water; black pepper and balsamic drizzle optional

01

Overview

Prep5 min

Cook10 min

Total15 min

Servings2

DifficultyEasy

02

Ingredients

8 oz short pastapenne or fusilli1 tbsp olive oil2 cups cherry tomatoeshalved1 clove garlicminced, optional4 oz fresh mozzarellatorn or pearls1/2 cup fresh basil leavestorn1/2 tsp sea saltplus more for pasta water black pepper and balsamic drizzleoptional

03

Equipment

Pot
Skillet
Colander
Tongs

04

Method

01

Boil the pasta

Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.

02

Warm the tomatoes

While pasta cooks, warm olive oil in a skillet. Add tomatoes and garlic if using; cook 3 to 4 minutes until soft and juicy.

03

Toss and serve

Add pasta to the skillet with a splash of pasta water. Toss with mozzarella and basil off heat until cheese softens. Season and serve.

✦

Tips

NoteAurora prefers the garnish. I prefer the last bite.

NoteMake it once, then make it yours with tiny swaps.

NoteLeftovers are friends if you store them kindly.

✦

Nutrition

Caloriesvaries

NoteApproximate; depends on servings and toppings

✦

Storage

RefrigeratorStore covered and reheat gently when needed.

Best freshFlavor and texture are happiest the day you make it.

?

Frequently asked

Can I change it a little?+

Yes — keep the heart of the method and swap toppings or veggies as you like.

How do I store leftovers?+

Cool, cover, and refrigerate. Reheat gently when needed.

Is this hard?+

No — easy steps, soft kitchen energy.

Fifteen-Minute Caprese Pasta

Overview

Ingredients

Equipment