Caprese Tortellini Pasta Skillet
This post contains links to affiliate websites, such as Amazon, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you using these links. We appreciate your support!
This Caprese Tortellini Pasta Skillet is similar to a Caprese Pasta Salad but is served warm as an easy skillet dinner. It has beautiful, fresh flavors! From the warm tomatoes that burst in your mouth to the fresh basil, and a sweet balsamic reduction, this is a winner, winner pasta dinner!
Today’s Focus: Sad Tomatoes
You know that container of tomatoes in the back of your fridge that’s not as plump as they once were? They seem to be looking for any excuse to mold… the best thing we can do to overcome the texture of soggy tomatoes is to lean into it. Add cherry tomatoes to a hot skillet and cook until they burst! This will highlight their sweetness and freshness, and blend in texturally with your dish – especially if it’s pasta!
Short on time? Bring on the pasta!
This is a bright and flavorful skillet meal that can be served as dinner or as a side dish at your summer BBQ. It can be a warm hearty meal in the cool spring evenings or served cold as a side pasta salad. Check out the recipe card for tips on serving cold!
This dish is incredibly simple and quick to make. Boiling the water for the pasta takes the longest! The tortellini itself takes only 8 minutes per the package instructions, but I cooked mine for just 4 minutes. This gave it a chance to blend with the other flavors in the neighboring skillet and finish cooking.
Once you have the pasta water set over heat to come to a boil, you can start mincing the shallots and garlic. It’s that quick and easy to get this dish cooking!
Ingredients Needed
Exact measurements can be found in the printable recipe card below.
Variations to Caprese Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Make it a salad: This can easily be served cold and uncooked as a beautiful side dish for your upcoming pot luck. When served cold you can add to chopped romaine and extras listed below to extend every bite.
- Add Extras: Extras like avocado or sliced almonds would take this dish to another level. Make your own lemon poppyseed dressing instead of balsamic for a completely different dish!
Add Mushrooms or Meat
Want to make this a heartier dish? If you have some leftover shredded chicken or mushrooms that aren’t as fresh as they once were, add them to the skillet for a heartier dish.
Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For complete directions, scroll down to the bottom.
- Start by sauting the shallots in oil with seasoning.
- Add the tomatoes and garlic, heating through until tomatoes begin to burst. Add reserved pasta water to prevent the skillet from burning.
- Add remaining ingredients and warm through. Top with fresh basil and balsamic reduction.
Toss the Pasta!
Before serving, give the dish a quick toss to ensure all is coated in the juices and balsamic glaze. A good quality olive oil drizzled at the end will help to keep everything moist while waiting to be served.
How to store and love your leftovers
- Refrigerate: Stored in an airtight container and refrigerated, this recipe can last 3-4 days. Do not keep out for more than 2 hours at room temperature.
Grab this printable to help meal plan around leftovers!
Want to save money in a truly effortless meal planning method?
Grab the Rescue Meal Planner!
Other Pasta Skillets to Try
- Homemade Hamburger Helper
- Skillet Lasagna
- Five Cheese Ziti
Hey, if you want to catch all my videos, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel. You’ll be notified each time I share a new video!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating!
Caprese Tortellini Pasta Skillet
Equipment
- 12 inch skillet
- pasta pot
- strainer
- knife
- cutting board
- wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 15 ounces cheese tortellini
- 1.5 pounds cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup pasta water
- 1 shallot
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian Herb seasoning
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces mozzarella pearls
- 1 Tablespoon balsamic reduction
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions for al dente. The pasta will continue to cook when added to the skillet.
- In a 12-inch skillet over medium-low heat add half of the olive oil and finely chopped shallot. Stir for just a minute as the shallots begin to get tender.
- Add the salt, herb seasoning, minced garlic, remaining oil, pasta water, and tomatoes. Continue to stir periodically for 5 minutes until some of the tomatoes begin to pop.
- Add the pasta and mozzarella balls to the skillet and stir to combine.*
- Top with freshly chopped basil and a drizzle of balsamic reduction.
