Caprese Tortellini
User Reviews
5
Caprese Tortellini
Description
The Caprese Tortellini recipe features cheese tortellini tossed with gently cooked grape tomatoes and garlic in extra-virgin olive oil, fresh chopped basil, and tender fresh mozzarella balls. The tomatoes soften slowly over low heat to retain their sweetness while the garlic infuses the oil without burning. The seasoning includes salt, black and red pepper flakes, enhancing the mild tomato and cheese flavors. A final drizzle of balsamic glaze provides a slight sweetness and tang that complements the fresh ingredients beautifully.
The texture balances tender pasta with soft, juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella, making each bite flavorful and satisfying. This dish is versatile, served warm to enjoy the melted mozzarella or chilled as a fresh pasta salad option for warmer days.
This dish pairs nicely with a crisp green salad or crusty bread to round out the meal. It is straightforward to prepare and highlights the freshness of its ingredients, emphasizing a layering of simple yet distinct flavors without heaviness.
Use a combination of colored grape tomatoes for visual appeal. Tossing the mozzarella with olive oil, salt, and spices before adding it to the pasta helps distribute flavor and keeps the cheese moist. The balsamic glaze can be substituted with a splash of balsamic vinegar if unavailable.
Ingredients
- 9 to 10 ounces cheese tortellini
- 3 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic minced, cloves
- 1 pint grape tomatoes (red, orange, and yellow)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/3 cup basil chopped, fresh leaves
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls
- balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Start by boiling water in a large pot to cook the cheese tortellini. Generously salt the water to infuse the salt into the tortellini as it cooks. Cook according to package instructions.
- Cut tomatoes in half lengthwise. Heat a large skillet over low heat. Drizzle in olive oil. Add tomatoes and garlic. Cook the garlic and tomatoes in extra-virgin olive oil on low heat until softened, about 7-10 minutes. The low heat will ensure that the garlic doesn't burn!
- In a large bowl, toss the cooked tortellini with the tomato mixture and stir in fresh basil. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- For extra flavor, toss the fresh mozzarella in olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. For extra flavor, drizzle with balsamic glaze. This is important for layering flavors within the pasta. Once the mozzarella has been seasoned, toss with tortellini.
- Place in a pasta bowl and drizzle with more olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- This can be served warm or cold, depending on preference. For some extra nuttiness, sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use a variety of colored grape tomatoes for a visually appealing dish.
- Toss fresh mozzarella with olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to infuse flavor before adding to the pasta.
- Balsamic glaze adds sweetness and tang; if unavailable, a splash of balsamic vinegar can be used instead.
- Cheese tortellini can be found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 325 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 325kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 23g | 8% |
| Protein | 16g | 32% |
| Fat | 19g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 46mg | 15% |
| Sodium | 815mg | 34% |
| Potassium | 230mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 1009IU | 20% |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 265mg | 27% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.