One-Pot Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella

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

A simple weeknight dinner where pasta cooks directly in a vibrant tomato sauce, finished with melted mozzarella and fresh herbs. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 40 minutes pairs linguine, olive oil, medium, diced onion 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium onion, diced, and 3 garlic cloves, minced, and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 14 oz can diced tomatoes, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, and 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  3. Step 3: Add 8 oz linguine, 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped, and 1/2 tsp salt to the pot, then pour in 1 cup water. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup mozzarella, cubed, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until cheese melts and coats the pasta. Let rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 One-Pot Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and 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 linguine from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and 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 One-Pot Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and 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 One-Pot Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella?

Italian one pot 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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