Save This breakfast pasta bowl reimagines morning comfort food by combining the unexpected pairing of pasta with sweet cherries. The contrast between warm, chewy pasta and cool, creamy yogurt creates a delightful textural experience that bridges the gap between familiar breakfast components and innovative culinary exploration.
I created this recipe during a particularly uninspired morning when I was craving something different from my usual breakfast routine. The combination was so surprisingly delightful that it's now become a weekend tradition in our home when we want something special but unfussy.
Ingredients
- Small pasta shapes like orzo or mini shells: provide the perfect chewy base and absorb the sweet cherry flavors beautifully
- Fresh or frozen cherries: deliver natural sweetness and a vibrant pop of color that makes this dish visually appealing
- Maple syrup: adds depth with its caramel notes that complement the cherries perfectly
- Greek yogurt: creates a creamy layer that balances the sweetness with its slight tanginess
- Granola: contributes essential crunch and additional texture contrast that makes each bite interesting
- Vanilla extract: enhances the dessert like quality that makes this dish feel like a special treat
- Lemon juice: brightens all flavors and prevents the dish from becoming too sweet
- Ground cinnamon: adds warmth and complexity that ties all flavors together
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil before adding salt. This flavors the pasta from within rather than just on the surface. Add your chosen small pasta shape and cook until just tender but still slightly firm to the bite, usually 6 to 8 minutes depending on the pasta variety. Drain thoroughly and allow to cool slightly while preparing other components. The pasta should be warm but not hot when assembling.
- Prepare the Cherry Compote:
- Add pitted and halved cherries to a small saucepan with maple syrup, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and cinnamon if using. Heat over medium flame, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Allow the mixture to gently bubble for 6 to 8 minutes until cherries soften and release their juices, creating a naturally thickened sauce. The compote should coat the back of a spoon but still have distinct cherry pieces for texture.
- Create the Creamy Layer:
- In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt with maple syrup, stirring until completely incorporated and silky smooth. The yogurt should be cold from the refrigerator to create temperature contrast with the warm pasta and compote. This step can be done while the cherries simmer to maximize efficiency.
- Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide the slightly cooled pasta between two serving bowls, creating an even layer at the bottom. Spoon the warm cherry compote generously over the pasta, allowing the juices to seep down and flavor the pasta. Add a substantial dollop of sweetened yogurt to one side of each bowl. The yogurt should partially melt into the warm components while maintaining some of its coolness.
- Add the Finishing Touches:
- Sprinkle granola across the top of each bowl, focusing on the yogurt portion but allowing some to fall onto the cherry compote as well. Add sliced almonds if using, and garnish with a few fresh cherries for visual appeal and textural contrast. Serve immediately while the pasta is still slightly warm and the yogurt is cool.
Save The cherry compote is truly the heart of this recipe. I discovered its magic when trying to use up an abundance of summer cherries from our local farmers market. The simple combination of cherries, maple syrup and that hint of vanilla creates such a nostalgic flavor that reminds me of cherry pie filling but with far less sugar and much brighter flavor.
Make Ahead Options
This breakfast bowl works wonderfully as a meal prep option with some simple adjustments. Prepare the pasta and cherry compote up to three days in advance and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently warm the pasta and compote in the microwave for about 30 seconds each before assembling with cold yogurt and toppings. The contrast between warm and cold components creates an even more delightful eating experience.
Seasonal Variations
Summer Version: Use fresh cherries at peak ripeness for the most vibrant flavor. Add fresh mint leaves as garnish for a cooling effect. Include diced peaches or nectarines in the compote for added complexity.
Fall Version: Substitute half the cherries with diced apples and add extra cinnamon. Use pumpkin spice granola as your topping. Drizzle with a touch of maple butter for added richness.
Winter Version: Use frozen cherries enhanced with orange zest for brightness. Add a pinch of cardamom to the compote for warmth. Top with toasted hazelnuts instead of almonds for a holiday feel.
Kid-Friendly Adaptations
This breakfast bowl is already a hit with children, but you can make it even more appealing with a few simple tweaks. Try using fun pasta shapes like stars or alphabets that children enjoy. Allow kids to help assemble their own bowls, creating faces or designs with the toppings. For picky eaters, start with a smaller amount of yogurt and gradually increase as they become accustomed to the combination of flavors and textures.
Save Serve immediately while the pasta is still slightly warm and the yogurt is cool for the best experience.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work just as well; simply simmer them directly from frozen for a juicy compote.
- → Is this bowl suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes—use plant-based yogurt and choose maple syrup instead of honey for a delicious vegan version.
- → Can I substitute the pasta for something else?
Try cooked pearl barley or gluten-free pasta for a twist in texture and to meet dietary preferences.
- → How can I increase the protein content?
Use a high-protein Greek yogurt variety and add extra seeds or nuts to boost protein.
- → What kind of granola pairs well?
Choose a crunchy, lightly sweetened granola with nuts or seeds for extra texture and flavor balance.
- → Is it possible to make this ahead of time?
Prepare components in advance and assemble just before serving to maintain texture and freshness.