Caprese Pasta Bowl
A light and refreshing pasta dish featuring whole-wheat pasta tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil. A simple, vibrant meal perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
For 4 servings
Cook the pasta until al dente.
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
- Add 1 tablespoon of salt, followed by the whole-wheat pasta.
- Cook according to package directions, typically 10-12 minutes, until al dente.
- Drain the pasta well, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
TIPCooking pasta al dente gives it a better texture and prevents it from becoming mushy when tossed with the other ingredients.Prepare the Caprese components.
While the pasta is cooking, place the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, torn basil leaves, and minced garlic in a large serving bowl.
Combine and toss the pasta.
- Add the warm, drained pasta to the bowl with the tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Toss everything together gently until well combined.
TIPTossing the pasta while it's still warm will slightly melt the mozzarella and help the flavors meld together beautifully.Serve immediately.
Divide the Caprese pasta among four bowls. Garnish with a few extra basil leaves if desired and serve right away.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use the freshest ingredients you can find, especially ripe cherry tomatoes and fresh basil.
- 2Tear the basil leaves by hand instead of chopping them. This prevents bruising and keeps their flavor bright.
- 3If the pasta seems a little dry, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
- 4Let the pasta sit for 5 minutes after tossing to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
High protein
Add 1 cup of cooked chickpeas or some grilled chicken breast strips for an extra boost of protein.
veganVegan
Omit the mozzarella or use a plant-based mozzarella alternative to make this dish vegan.
gluten freeGluten free
Use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Cook according to package directions as cooking times can vary.
quickQuick
Use pre-cooked pasta or a quick-cook variety to have this meal ready in under 15 minutes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
The whole-wheat pasta provides a good source of dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and helps you feel full and satisfied.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Extra virgin olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and reducing inflammation.
Source of Antioxidants
Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this version is quite healthy. It uses whole-wheat pasta for fiber, plenty of fresh vegetables, and controlled amounts of healthy fats from olive oil and cheese, making it a balanced meal.
