Instant Pot Caprese Pasta takes the classic tomato, mozzarella and basil flavors and adds them to a light vegetarian pasta recipe that you can serve hot or cold. Perfect for a light dinner or served cold as Caprese pasta salad at a picnic.
Keyword: Caprese pasta, Caprese pasta salad, How to make Caprese Pasta, Instant Pot Caprese Pasta, Instant Pot Caprese Pasta Salad
Servings: 4-6 servings
Author: jfletcher
Ingredients
8ouncesof halved cherry tomatoes
6tbsolive oildivided
6clovesof garlicpressed
salt and pepper
1/2tspred pepper flakes
4cupswater or vegetable broth
16ouncesof rotini or penne pasta
6tbsbalsamic vinegar
8ouncesof mozzarella pearls
fresh basil
1/2cupof grated Parmesan cheeseoptional
Instructions
Add the inner liner to the Instant Pot. Turn the Instant Pot onto saute mode. Add 3 tbs olive oil. Let the oil get hot. Once hot, add the halved cherry tomatoes, pressed garlic, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Saute for 1 minute. Add the balsamic vinegar. Bring to a simmer, about another minute. Stir regularly. Add the pasta and the water. Stir. Hit cancel to turn off saute mode. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot. Make sure the valve is set to sealing. Pressure cook on high for 4 minutes for al dente pasta or 5 minutes for slightly softer pasta. When the pot beeps, turn the valve to venting to quick release. Drain any excess water if needed. Turn pot off. Drizzle in the remaining olive oil and the Parmesan cheese if using. Let cool if serving cool then toss with fresh mozzarella pearls and basil. Serve hot or cold as caprese pasta salad. Enjoy.
Video
Notes
If serving hot, add the mozzarella right away and it will melt and get gooey from the heat of the noodles. If serving pasta salad style, let the pasta cool.