Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Caprese Pasta with Italian Sausage is a quick and hearty dish that marries the freshness of Caprese salad—juicy cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil—with the savory depth of Italian sausage. It’s a 30-minute meal that offers vibrant flavor, satisfying protein, and the comfort of pasta, making it a perfect weeknight dinner choice.

ingredients

Caprese Pasta with Italian Sausage (30-Minutes)

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

penne or rigatoni pastaitalian sausage (mild or spicy)cherry tomatoesfresh mozzarella (ciliegine or cubed)basil leavesolive oilgarlicsaltblack pepperbalsamic glaze (optional)red pepper flakes (optional)

directions

Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up into pieces until fully browned. Remove excess fat if needed.

Add olive oil and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing briefly until fragrant.

Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook until they begin to blister and soften, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together.

Turn off the heat and gently fold in fresh mozzarella and basil leaves.

Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving for added flavor.

Servings and timing

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

Variations

Swap Italian sausage for ground turkey or plant-based sausage for a lighter version.

Add sautéed spinach or zucchini for extra veggies.

Use sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense tomato flavor.

Top with grated Parmesan for added richness.

Make it spicy with extra red pepper flakes or hot sausage.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to refresh the sauce.Mozzarella may melt more on reheating but still tastes delicious.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes, just slice and heat it before adding to the skillet.

What kind of pasta works best?

Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli hold up well in this dish.

Can I make this dish ahead?

It’s best fresh, but you can prep ingredients ahead and assemble quickly when ready.

Is the balsamic glaze necessary?

Optional, but it adds a sweet tangy finish that enhances the Caprese flavor.

What if I don’t have fresh mozzarella?

Use shredded mozzarella or even feta for a different twist.

Can I freeze this pasta?

Freezing isn’t ideal due to the fresh mozzarella, but it can be done if needed.

How do I keep the mozzarella from melting too much?

Add it off heat and serve quickly to retain its shape.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, omit the sausage or use a vegetarian substitute.

Does this work as a cold pasta salad?

Yes! Let it cool, add the mozzarella and basil, and chill before serving.

What’s the best basil to use?

Fresh sweet basil is ideal—tear leaves just before adding for max flavor.

Conclusion

Caprese Pasta with Italian Sausage is a fast, flavorful meal that brings together fresh and savory ingredients for a satisfying dinner in just 30 minutes. Whether served warm or chilled, it’s a versatile recipe you’ll turn to again and again for quick comfort with an Italian twist.