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Searching for an easy weeknight meal that is equal parts healthy, delicious and time effective? Then this easy caprese pasta salad will absolutely blow your mind! As much as I would love to whip up a multi-dish meal every night, some days just get the best of you and it’s either frozen pizza or ordering take-out. This recipe will have you vowing to never settle for terrible frozen pizza or wasting money on take-out again – promise!
This pasta dish is a fun twist on everyone’s favorite appetizer, the caprese salad, and it’s just as delicious as it looks. A few cherry tomatoes, a healthy serving of fresh mozzarella, a pinch of this, a dash of that, and you are back in Italy dining along the coast. Not bad for a weeknight, right?
The real secret is what you pair it with. This caprese pasta dish is killer on its own, but pair it with a crisp glass of Kendall-Jackson AVANT Chardonnay and the whole meal is elevated. I love the K-J AVANT collection of wines because they're approachable weeknight wines that gives you great taste, time-after-time-after-time.
What Makes This Caprese Pasta Salad Special
This Caprese Pasta Salad takes everyone’s favorite appetizer—fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil—and transforms it into a hearty, weeknight-friendly meal. Unlike a traditional caprese salad, the pasta adds substance while still keeping it light and fresh. The quick sauté of cherry tomatoes with garlic releases a natural sweetness, while the arugula and basil pesto give the dish a vibrant, herbaceous flavor.
What really sets this recipe apart is how effortlessly it balances simplicity and taste. Each bite is fresh, colorful, and satisfying, yet it comes together in just under 20 minutes. It’s also versatile—you can enjoy it warm straight from the skillet, or let it cool for a refreshing pasta salad. Perfect for busy nights, casual lunches, or even a last-minute dinner with friends, this dish proves that weeknight meals can be both easy and extraordinary.
Caprese Pasta Salad Key Ingredients
The beauty of this Caprese Pasta Salad is in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Using fresh, high-quality components makes a world of difference in flavor:
- Cherry tomatoes – Sweet, juicy, and perfect for quick sautéing.
- Fresh mozzarella – Creamy and tender, cut into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
- Arugula – Adds a peppery bite and vibrant green color.
- Basil pesto – Provides herbal depth and a luscious coating for the pasta.
- Penne pasta – Holds the sauce and toppings beautifully while adding substance.
- Garlic & olive oil – Infuse the salad with a savory, aromatic base.
- Sea salt – Enhances the natural flavors without overpowering them.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Caprese Pasta Salad
Making this Caprese Pasta Salad is simple and fast—perfect for busy weeknights. Follow these steps for a flavorful, fuss-free dish:
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic and tomatoes: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and sauté gently for 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add the greens: Toss in the arugula and cook for 30 seconds, just until it starts to wilt.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta, fresh mozzarella, and basil pesto to the skillet. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated and warmed through.
- Season and serve: Sprinkle with sea salt and drizzle a little extra olive oil if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy a fresh, vibrant weeknight meal.
Caprese Pasta Salad
Recipe Type:
Main Dish
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
20 minutes
Servings:
4
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 3 – 4 cups arugula
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Sea salt, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a big pot of water to a boil, add a liberal dose of salt to the water & cook penne according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet on medium. Add in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until it begins to turn pale golden. Add cherry tomatoes and continue stirring and cooking for 2 – 3 minutes. Stir gently as not to bruise the tomatoes
- Add arugula to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, add in add pasta, mozzarella, and basil pesto. Toss everything together until pasta is warmed through and everything is lightly coated in pesto. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt & drizzle with a little EVVO.
- Pour some Kendall-Jackson AVANT Chardonnay
Variations and Add-Ins
This Caprese Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile, so feel free to tweak it to suit your taste or whatever you have on hand:
- Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta make it a more filling main course.
- Switch the pasta: Try fusilli, farfalle, or penne rigate for a different texture.
- Extra vegetables: Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or baby spinach can boost both color and nutrition.
- Flavor boost: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, drizzle balsamic glaze, or add a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Cheese swap: Fresh burrata or feta can replace mozzarella for a different creamy twist.
These simple variations let you customize the salad while keeping the bright, fresh Caprese flavors intact.
How to Pair Caprese Pasta Salad with Wine
The fresh, bright flavors of this Caprese Pasta Salad pair beautifully with a crisp, approachable white wine. Kendall-Jackson AVANT Unoaked Chardonnay is the perfect match—its citrusy notes, clean minerality, and balanced acidity complement the sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and herbaceous basil pesto. Beyond the AVANT collection, Kendall-Jackson produces a wide portfolio of top-rated Chardonnays and other varietals, each crafted to highlight unique flavors and terroirs.
