Mild Tomato and Mozzarella Pasta Toss
Tender pasta tossed with fresh cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil for a kid-pleasing Italian-inspired meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 small garlic clove
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz penne pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes and tear 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls into bite-sized pieces. Chop 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves roughly.
- Step 3: Mince 1 small garlic clove finely. Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes until softened and juicy.
- Step 5: Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with the mozzarella pieces and chopped basil. Toss gently to combine and warm the mozzarella slightly.
- Step 6: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, tossing again. Serve immediately while warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mild Tomato and Mozzarella Pasta Toss 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 Mild Tomato and Mozzarella Pasta Toss?
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 Mild Tomato and Mozzarella Pasta Toss?
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 Mild Tomato and Mozzarella Pasta Toss 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.
Is Mild Tomato and Mozzarella Pasta Toss vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
