How to Make the Perfect Mini Caprese Skewers with Pasta
Italian · Easy · 25 min · 2 servings
These adorable mini skewers feature fresh mozzarella balls cherry tomatoes and fresh basil served alongside a small portion of cold pesto pasta. It is an Italian-inspired lunch that is elegant enough to impress but simple enough that kids will happily eat every bite.
Why this recipe works
This Mini Caprese Skewers with Pasta recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 360 calories with 14g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 cup penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons store-bought basil pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh mini mozzarella balls bocconcini
- 12 leaves fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta
Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente then drain rinse under cold water and toss with pesto and a drizzle of olive oil.
Step 2: Refrigerate the Pasta
Transfer the pesto pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes until completely cold so it is safe and enjoyable to eat at room temperature during lunch.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
Thread ingredients onto small appetizer skewers or toothpicks in this order: one cherry tomato then one basil leaf folded in half then one mozzarella ball repeating until all ingredients are used.
Step 4: Pack the Lunchbox
Place the skewers in one section of the lunchbox and spoon the cold pesto pasta into another section or a small sealed container then close the lunchbox tightly and keep refrigerated until packing.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- basil pesto → cream cheese or butter for kids who do not like pesto
- penne pasta → gluten-free penne for children with gluten sensitivities
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Packing the pasta while it is still warm which makes it clump together and continue cooking
- Using large mozzarella balls that are too big for small skewers and make the presentation messy
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 360 calories, 14g protein, 40g carbs, 16g fat, 3g fiber.
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