Homestyle Tomato and Basil Pasta with Fresh Mozzarella

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Simple and fresh Italian pasta tossed in a vibrant tomato and basil sauce, topped with creamy fresh mozzarella for a classic comfort meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, ripe tomatoes (chopped), extra virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, finely mince 4 garlic cloves and heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant — do not let brown.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 cups chopped ripe tomatoes, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to the skillet. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down into a chunky sauce.
  4. Step 4: Tear 1 cup fresh basil leaves and add to the sauce along with red chili flakes if using. Stir and cook for another 1 minute.
  5. Step 5: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce and toss well to combine, adding reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time to loosen if needed.
  6. Step 6: Tear 8 oz fresh mozzarella into chunks and gently fold into the pasta until just melted. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Homestyle Tomato and Basil Pasta with Fresh Mozzarella take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Homestyle Tomato and Basil Pasta with Fresh Mozzarella?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Homestyle Tomato and Basil Pasta with Fresh Mozzarella?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Homestyle Tomato and Basil Pasta with Fresh Mozzarella for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Homestyle Tomato and Basil Pasta with Fresh Mozzarella?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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