Caprese Pasta with Italian Sausage (30-Minutes)

Caprese Pasta with Italian Sausage is a hearty, vibrant dish that brings together the freshness of a Caprese salad and the savory depth of Italian sausage. Juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil, and tender pasta are combined with browned sausage for a satisfying and quick weeknight meal.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pasta of choice (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)Italian sausagesea saltolive oilgarlic clovescherry or grape tomatoesfresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)fresh basil leavesbalsamic glaze (optional)cracked black pepperred pepper flakes (optional)

directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.

Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 4-5 minutes, until they start to blister and release juices.

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the mixture.

Stir in mozzarella balls and torn basil leaves, letting the mozzarella soften slightly.

Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner option.

Swap mozzarella balls for shredded mozzarella or burrata.

Add spinach or arugula for extra greens.

Try sun-dried tomatoes for a richer tomato flavor.

Toss in olives or roasted red peppers for a Mediterranean twist.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or olive oil until warmed through.Mozzarella may melt more upon reheating but remains delicious.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes, just slice and brown it lightly in the skillet before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.

Is this dish spicy?

It can be! Add red pepper flakes to adjust the heat level to your liking.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, omit the sausage or use a plant-based sausage alternative.

What kind of pasta works best?

Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni holds the sauce and ingredients well.

Do I have to use fresh mozzarella?

Fresh mozzarella gives the classic Caprese texture, but shredded mozzarella or burrata can also work.

Can I make it ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but it reheats well for lunches or meal prep.

What if I don’t have balsamic glaze?

You can reduce regular balsamic vinegar over low heat until syrupy as a substitute.

Can I use large tomatoes instead of cherry?

Yes, just chop them into bite-sized pieces.

Conclusion

Caprese Pasta with Italian Sausage is the perfect blend of fresh and savory, made even better by how quickly it comes together. Whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining guests, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort—sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe rotation.

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