Quick & Delicious Tomato Basil Caprese Pasta with Rigatoni

Quick & Delicious Tomato Basil Caprese Pasta with Rigatoni

If you're looking for a pasta dish that’s bright, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, look no further than Tomato Basil Caprese Pasta with Rigatoni. Inspired by the fresh flavors of a traditional Caprese salad, this dish combines the tang of ripe tomatoes, the richness of mozzarella, and the herbal lift of basil—then brings it all together with hearty rigatoni and a vibrant tomato basil pasta sauce. The result is a quick and delicious meal that feels like summer in every bite.

The star of this dish is undoubtedly the tomato basil sauce. Made with high-quality ingredients—juicy tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and aromatic basil—it delivers the kind of fresh, home-cooked flavor that elevates even the simplest recipes. And if you’re using a premium option like Le Sauce & Co.’s Tomato Basil Gourmet Pasta Sauce, you’ll notice the difference right away. A touch of Spanish paprika adds a subtle warmth, giving the sauce depth without overpowering the classic flavors.

The beauty of this pasta lies in its simplicity. Start with rigatoni—those big, ridged tubes are perfect for capturing every bit of sauce and holding onto melty mozzarella. As the pasta cooks, you can warm the sauce on the stovetop, allowing the basil and paprika aromas to fill the kitchen.

Once the pasta is al dente and the sauce is gently simmering, toss them together and watch the magic happen. Add halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella pearls or cubed mozzarella, and a generous handful of chopped fresh basil. The heat from the pasta softens the tomatoes just enough to bring out their sweetness, while the mozzarella starts to melt, creating creamy pockets of cheesy goodness throughout the dish.

This isn’t just a meal—it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and simple techniques. It's quick enough to make on a weeknight and impressive enough to serve at a weekend dinner party. Best of all, it’s endlessly customizable. Want to add protein? Grilled chicken or seared shrimp fit in perfectly. Want to add greens? A handful of baby spinach or arugula stirred in at the end does the trick.

Caprese pasta is also a great way to introduce kids or picky eaters to more flavorful dishes. The familiarity of pasta and cheese, combined with the brightness of tomatoes and basil, makes for a comforting and universally loved bowl of food. And because it uses wholesome, real-food ingredients, it’s something you can feel good about serving.

Top it off with freshly cracked black pepper, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, or even a touch of balsamic glaze for a more traditional Caprese finish.

So when you want a dish that’s full of flavor, easy to make, and sure to satisfy, Tomato Basil Caprese Pasta with Rigatoni is the answer. It’s quick. It’s delicious. And it’s a fresh take on classic comfort that never goes out of style

Indulge in the timeless, fresh, and vibrant flavors of Caprese with this two-serving pasta recipe. Combining sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and our gourmet Tomato Basil pasta sauce, all tossed with rigatoni noodles, this dish is a delightful celebration of Italian cuisine.

Ingredients:

• 6 ounces of rigatoni noodles
• 1 cup of Le Sauce & Co.® Tomato Basil pasta sauce
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup of fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
• 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
• Balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the rigatoni noodles and cook them according to the package instructions until they are al dente (usually about 10-12 minutes).
3. While the rigatoni is cooking, halve the cherry tomatoes and the mozzarella balls.
4. Chop the fresh basil leaves.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Tomato Basil pasta sauce, halved cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls.
6. Once the pasta is done cooking, strain and add to the bowl
7. Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil over the ingredients.
8. Toss everything together until the pasta, sauce, and toppings are evenly mixed.
9. Divide the Tomato Basil Caprese Pasta into two plates.
10. Sprinkle the chopped basil over each serving.
11. Optional: Drizzle with balsamic vinegar for an extra layer of flavor and presentation.
12. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a touch of freshness.
13. Enjoy!