Italian One-Pot Tomato Basil Penne with Fresh Mozzarella
A simple, vibrant one-pot pasta simmered in a fresh tomato and basil sauce, finished with gooey mozzarella for a comforting Italian classic. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs penne pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, torn fresh basil leaves 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, torn fresh basil leaves
- 8 oz, torn fresh mozzarella balls
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp, freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large deep skillet or pot, heat 3 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 3 minutes until tomatoes begin to soften.
- Step 3: Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most broth is absorbed.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and gently fold in 1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves and 8 oz torn fresh mozzarella balls. Cover and let sit for 2-3 minutes until mozzarella softens. Serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Italian One-Pot Tomato Basil Penne with Fresh Mozzarella take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Italian One-Pot Tomato Basil Penne 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 penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Italian One-Pot Tomato Basil Penne 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 Italian One-Pot Tomato Basil Penne 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 Italian One-Pot Tomato Basil Penne 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.
