Pasta Caprese

This Pasta Caprese isn’t your typical Italian classic but a refreshing variation with spinach pesto for a nutritious alternative. Each ingredient in this dish screams ‘Summer’ and makes it an ideal choice for meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Pasta Caprese

• Combines protein, fiber, and healthy fats in a colorful, flavorful meal.’
• Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy weekdays.
• Works as a light lunch, dinner, or meal prep option.
• Easily swap pasta, cheese, or pesto to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Creamy mozzarella, crunchy pine nuts, and tender pasta/zoodles make each bite satisfying.

Ingredients & Benefits

1. Whole-grain pasta (or zoodles) – High in fiber and complex carbs for lasting energy; zoodles are low-carb and nutrient-rich.
2. Baby mozzarella – Provides protein and calcium; adds creamy texture.
3. Cherry tomatoes – Packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and lycopene for a health boost.
4. Spinach pesto – Adds iron, magnesium, and healthy fats from olive oil and nuts; a flavorful alternative to traditional pesto.
5. Pine nuts – Offer a crunchy texture along with healthy fats, protein, and minerals.
6. Arugula – Peppery greens rich in vitamins A, C, and K, plus antioxidants for extra nutrition.

The Recipe

Servings: 2 | Total Time: 15–20 minutes | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

• 100g whole-grain pasta (or zoodles)
• 120g baby mozzarella 
• 3-4 cherry tomatos
• 2 tbsp Spinach-basil pesto (use my recipe for spinach pesto)
• 1 tbsp pine nuts 
• 1 handful of arugula 

Preparation:

1. Cook the whole grain pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Toss the cooked pasta with the spinach pesto, ensuring it’s well-coated.
3. Gently fold in the cherry tomatoes, baby mozzarella, and fresh arugula. Mix until evenly distributed.
4. Top the pasta with roasted pine nuts for an extra crunch. Don’t skip this step-those pine nuts add a delicious texture and enhance the overall flavor.

Tip: For a lighter, low-carb option, swap out the pasta with zoodles (zucchini noodles). Just be sure not to overcook them-zoodles only need a quick heat to avoid becoming soggy.

Swaps & Variations

• Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta, whole-wheat pasta, or spiralized zucchini.
• Cheese: Swap mozzarella for feta or burrata for a creamier option.
• Pesto: Try basil pesto, sun-dried tomato pesto, or a nut-free version for dietary needs.
• Add-ins: Roasted bell peppers, olives, or artichoke hearts.

Nutrition

Calories: 380 kcal | Protein: 22g | Carbs: 35 g | Fiber: 6 g | Fat: 18g

Dietary Info

Contain Dairy | Contains Nuts