Caprese Pasta Skewers - beautifully plated pasta dish

Caprese Pasta Skewers

Tortellini, cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella threaded onto skewers with basil and balsamic glaze.

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

8 min

Servings

12

Calories

80

Ingredients

  • 400 g pasta (your choice of shape)
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cook the Pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Base

    While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

  3. 3

    Build the Sauce

    Add the main sauce ingredients to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the flavours meld together, about 3-5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Combine

    Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss vigorously, adding pasta water as needed to achieve a silky consistency that coats every strand.

  5. 5

    Serve

    Plate immediately and garnish with fresh herbs and freshly grated cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

Chef's Notes

For fried or baked pasta appetizers, slightly overcooking the pasta makes it crispier. This is the one time al dente isn't the goal.

Chef Luca Bianchi

About This Recipe

This is one of those recipes that sounds fancy on paper but comes together in under half an hour. A simple garlic and olive oil base builds into something rich and deeply savoury, and the trick is letting it come together slowly enough that the flavours actually have room to develop.

What keeps me coming back to this dish is how approachable it is. You don't need special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients, and it's the kind of thing that feels generous and thoughtful even when you're feeding yourself on a busy weeknight.

Tips for the Best Caprese Pasta Skewers

Saliez généreusement l'eau de cuisson — elle devrait avoir le goût de la mer — et réservez une tasse du liquide amidonné avant d'égoutter les pâtes. Ce liquide est un or liquide pour émulsionner la sauce et lui donner une consistance soyeuse. Ne faites cuire l'ail que jusqu'à ce qu'il soit parfumé, environ 30 secondes, car l'ail brûlé devient amer instantanément.

What to Serve With It

Serve this hot with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, or alongside roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. Crusty bread on the side is essential for soaking up every last drop of the garlic oil. Pair with a light Pinot Grigio or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to restore the silky texture — microwaving tends to dry it out. The pasta will continue absorbing the sauce overnight, so add extra liquid when reheating.

Nutrition Facts

80

cal

17g

Protein

15g

Fat

60g

Carbs

4g

Fiber

503mg

Sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta shape?+

Absolutely. Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work beautifully because their ridges and hollow centres trap the sauce. Avoid very thin pastas like angel hair, which won't hold up well to the garlic oil.

How do I know when the garlic is done?+

The garlic is ready when it's golden and fragrant, usually about 30 seconds. Watch it closely — it goes from perfect to burnt in the blink of an eye. If it starts browning too fast, lower the heat immediately.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?+

It's best made fresh, but you can prep the garlic and onion ahead and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble and cook just before serving for the best texture and flavour.

Is this recipe vegetarian?+

Yes, this is naturally vegetarian. Just double-check your pasta — some fresh pastas contain egg, which is still vegetarian, but if you need vegan, swap in a plant-based pasta and skip the cheese garnish.

What wine pairs well with this dish?+

A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Vermentino complements the garlic beautifully. If you prefer red, a light Chianti or Barbera works well. Both styles cut through the richness without overwhelming the dish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Always salt your pasta water generously — it should taste like the sea.
  • Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water before draining. It's liquid gold for emulsifying sauces.
  • Cook pasta 1 minute less than the package says if finishing it in the sauce.

Reviews (5)

Lisa P.★★★★★

Made this for a dinner party and everyone wanted the recipe. It's impressive enough for guests but easy enough for Tuesday night.

Robert B.★★★★★

Five stars! The flavour combination is spot on. I added a little extra garlic because that's how we like it, and it was incredible.

Jennifer K.★★★★★

This is now our go-to weeknight dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes and tastes like it took hours. My kids ask for seconds every time.

André G.★★★★★

Comme au restaurant! La sauce est onctueuse et les pâtes parfaitement al dente. Bravo pour cette recette.

Chantal D.★★★★★

Facile à préparer et tellement bon! Même mes enfants difficiles ont vidé leur assiette. Je recommande fortement.