Tortellini Caprese Skewers Recipe

Picture this: I’m lounging on my patio with a refreshing drink in hand, and in front of me is a plate full of vibrant Tortellini Caprese Skewers—tiny, flavor-packed bites that make me feel like a culinary genius without breaking a sweat.

I love making simple and delightful starters, and my Tortellini Caprese Skewers are perfect for any event. They taste like a classic Caprese salad but with the added flavors of cheese tortellini, fresh mozzarella, and juicy cherry tomatoes.

I think the skewers are visually stunning but also packed with protein and fresh ingredients. By using basil instead of an unspecified herb (which is often the default in Caprese salads), and by drizzling balsamic vinegar over the skewers right before serving, I take these little bites from simple to gourmet.

Tortellini Caprese Skewers Recipe Ingredients

• Cheese Tortellini: A delightful source of carbohydrates and protein, it provides energy and a satisfying bite.
• Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: Rich in vitamins A and C, they add a juicy, tangy flavor and vibrant color.
• Fresh Mozzarella Balls (Ciliegine): High in calcium and protein, they offer a creamy texture and delicate taste.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Contains antioxidants and vitamins, delivering aromatic, fresh herbal notes.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats add a smooth, rich mouthfeel and enhances flavors.
• Balsamic Glaze: Provides a sweet, tangy touch, balancing the flavors with depth and richness.

Tortellini Caprese Skewers Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 package (9 ounces) cheese tortellini
• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine), drained
• Fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Wooden or metal skewers

How to Make this Tortellini Caprese Skewers Recipe

1. Prepare the tortellini according to the package instructions until they are cooked to an al dente texture. Remove from water, drain, and allow to cool for a few moments.

2. Skewer half a cherry tomato, followed by a cheese tortellini, a fresh basil leaf, and a mozzarella ball.

3. Follow the same procedure again, placing another half of a tomato, tortellini, a basil leaf, and a ball of mozzarella on the skewer. This time, however, use a larger space between the ingredients to ensure that there will be enough room on the end of the skewer for handling.

4. Keep on putting together skewers with the leftover parts until none are left.

5. Set the skewers on a serving platter.

6. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic glaze, salt, and pepper.

7. Pour the mixture of olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the skewers.

8. Shield and chill the skewers for no less than 15 minutes in order for the flavors to bond.

9. Allow the skewers to come to room temperature for 5 minutes before serving.

10. Relish your Tortellini Caprese Skewers as a prelude to a meal or as something light to enjoy!

Tortellini Caprese Skewers Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Pot
2. Strainer
3. Skewers (wooden or metal)
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Small bowl
7. Whisk
8. Serving platter

FAQ

• Can I make Tortellini Caprese Skewers ahead of time?You can prepare them a few hours in advance. Cover the skewers and keep them in the refrigerator. Just before serving, drizzle with balsamic glaze.
• What is the best way to cook the tortellini?Adhere to the package guidelines, which usually indicate boiling in salted water for around 3-5 minutes until they achieve buoyancy. Do not exceed this cooking time if you want to maintain their chewiness.
• Can I use a different type of cheese instead of fresh mozzarella?Although fresh mozzarella best complements the other ingredients, you can substitute cubed feta or queso fresco if necessary.
• How many skewers does this recipe make?Depending on the size of your skewers and how they are arranged, this recipe yields approximately 10-12 skewers.
• Is there a substitute for balsamic glaze?Should balsamic glaze be unavailable, you can reduce balsamic vinegar on the stove with a bit of sugar to achieve a similar consistency.
• Can I add other ingredients to the skewers?Definitely! You can use different kinds of ingredients if you want to add more flavor, like marinated artichoke hearts or olives.
• How do I keep the basil leaves fresh?Before assembling the skewers, lightly coat the basil leaves in olive oil to keep them from wilting.

Tortellini Caprese Skewers Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Tortellini in cheese sauce: Replace with a cheese sauce containing either spinach or a flavored cheese of your choice.
Cherry or grape tomatoes: Substitute with sun-dried tomatoes or slices of roasted red peppers for a different taste.
Fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine): Use fresh mozzarella in cubes or bocconcini instead for a comparable silky smoothness, mild flavor, and similar texture.
Basil leaves, fresh: For a different but equally refreshing flavor, opt instead for baby spinach leaves or arugula.
Balsamic glaze: Use a drizzling of aged balsamic vinegar or a balsamic reduction for a similar sweet-tangy taste.

Pro Tips

1. Infuse the Olive Oil For an extra burst of flavor, consider infusing the olive oil with minced garlic or crushed red pepper flakes. Simply heat the olive oil gently with your chosen ingredient, let it cool, then strain it before whisking with the balsamic glaze.

2. Marinate the Mozzarella Enhance the flavor of the mozzarella balls by marinating them in olive oil, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of Italian herbs for about an hour before assembling the skewers.

3. Chill and Serve After drizzling with the olive oil and balsamic glaze, chill the skewers for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend well. This extra time can intensify the taste of the basil and balsamic glaze.

4. Use Fresh Basil Opt for fresh basil leaves over dried as they bring a refreshing aroma and flavor to the skewers. Roll the leaves gently before placing them on the skewers to release their natural oils.

5. Experiment with Add-ins For variety, consider adding other items such as thin slices of prosciutto or kalamata olives to the skewers for an added layer of flavor and texture.