Caprese Tortellini

This Caprese Tortellini is made with cheese Tortellini tossed with sauteed garlic and tomatoes in extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil, and fresh mozzarella and spices. This fresh tortellini caprese pasta is perfect for summer!

I am craving all of the quick, easy, fresh dinner recipes that highlight all of the summer vegetables right now.

This Tortellini with Tomatoes and Basil is so vibrant and fresh and super easy to throw together on a lazy weeknight.

What do I love about this Tortellini Caprese?

• I love the fresh flavors! The heirloom grape tomatoes are sauteed in garlic and olive oil and the addition of fresh basil just puts it over the top.
• The addition of fresh mozzarella just adds such a rich, creamy element to the pasta.
• Using cheese tortellini rather than just plain pasta takes it up a notch and makes it taste even better!
• To make it extra flavorful, drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Ingredients:

This is a simple recipe made with only fresh ingredients.

• Cheese Tortellini -- find this in the refrigerated section of the grocery store.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil -- saute the garlic in olive oil plus drizzle some on the fresh mozzarella.
• Garlic -- if you love garlic, add more!
• Grape Tomatoes -- I love to use a variety of colors from red to orange to yellow tomatoes.
• Fresh Basil -- for extra freshness, add extra basil.
• Salt, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes -- I like to toss the fresh mozzarella in salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and olive oil.
• Fresh Mozzarella Balls -- use fresh mozzarella balls or dice up a fresh mozzarella ball.
• Balsamic Glaze -- it is a balsamic vinegar reduction so it is thicker and slightly sweeter than balsamic vinegar. You can use a splash of balsamic vinegar instead if you can't find balsamic glaze or make your own homemade balsamic glaze.

You can also add freshly grated Parmigiano-reggiano or parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

How to make Tortellini alla Caprese:

1. 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.
2. Cook the garlic and tomatoes in extra-virgin olive oil on low heat until softened. This will ensure that the garlic doesn't burn!
3. Toss the cooked tortellini with the tomato mixture and stir in fresh basil.
4. 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.
5. Taste for seasonings and add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Serve in a pasta bowl and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
6. This can be served warm or cold, depending on preference.
7. For some extra nuttiness, sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

If you love fresh summer recipes, check out these light, quick, and easy recipes...

• Pesto Caprese Salad
• Italian Pasta Salad
• Best Grilled Chicken Marinade
• Chopped Salad with Creamy Basil Dressing