Easy Pasta Caprese | Hot Side Dish

Dive into the simplicity and elegance of Italian cuisine with this Capellini Caprese recipe. Perfect for those who love the fresh flavors of a classic Caprese salad and the comfort of a warm pasta dish.

This recipe combines the delicate texture of thin pasta with the robust flavors of tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan, making it an ideal choice for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a versatile pasta side dish.

• Serve this hot pasta side dish with Caprese Stuffed chicken, Honey Garlic Lemon chicken, or a simple juicy chicken breast.

Why You’ll Love This Hot Side Dish

Quick and Easy: With a total preparation and cooking time of under 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.

Versatile: Serve it as a hot side dish or a main course, adaptable to your dining needs. This recipe is easy to double.

Capellini Caprese Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb. Angel Hair Pasta (Capellini), cooked and drained.
• Two tablespoons of virgin olive oil
• Two tablespoons Minced Garlic
• One dry pint of grape tomatoes, halved.
• 1/2 cup Chicken Broth
• One small can of black olives, drained.
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 cup Fresh Basil Leaves, chopped
• 1/2 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese

How to make Pasta Caprese for a Hot Side

Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add minced garlic and halved grape tomatoes.

Sauté for about 4 minutes or until the garlic slightly browns.

Simmer with Broth and Olives: Pour the chicken broth and add the drained black olives to the skillet.

Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked angel hair pasta to the skillet, sprinkling in the salt for seasoning.

Toss well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the tomato and olive mixture. Continue heating for 3-5 minutes or until the pasta is thoroughly heated.

Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and gently stir in the chopped fresh basil.

Serve the pasta in bowls or on a serving platter, topped with a generous sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese.

As you will note in the recipe, this pasta Caprese doesn’t have balsamic vinegar or a balsamic drizzle on it, but by all means, right before serving, feel free to drizzle your tomatoes with some homemade balsamic reduction.

How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to moisten the pasta.

What to Serve with Pasta Caprese

This recipe is perfect on its own and is sure to fill you up because of the pasta. That being said, adding grilled chicken or mahi mahi as a main dish works fantastic.

Unfortunately, this dish is best served hot because the pasta will stick if served cold. That doesn’t mean you can’t serve it cold (still tastes good), the pasta will just be clumped.

Incredible Caprese Recipes

Everyone loves an excuse to eat tomatoes and mozzarella! It’s hands-down one of my favorite ways to create a recipe so you will find many Caprese choices here on my site. Pin this one here.

Heirloom Tomato and Burrata Salad

Strawberry Caprese Salad (With Fresh Avocado)

Hot Caprese Dip

Ladybug Caprese Appetizer