One-Pot Tomato and Basil Pasta with Mozzarella

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

A simple, comforting one-pot pasta cooked in a flavorful tomato broth and topped with fresh basil and melted mozzarella. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 17 minutes pairs spaghetti pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 5 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large wide pot, combine 12 oz spaghetti pasta, 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves, 4 cups vegetable broth, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered, stirring frequently for 9-11 minutes until the pasta is al dente and the tomato broth has thickened and slightly reduced.
  3. Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup torn fresh basil leaves and 8 oz torn fresh mozzarella balls until the cheese begins to melt.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes over the top if desired and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Tomato and Basil Pasta with Mozzarella take to make?

Total time is about 17 minutes (5 min prep + 12 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 Tomato and Basil Pasta with 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 pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Tomato and Basil Pasta with 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 Tomato and Basil Pasta with 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 Tomato and Basil Pasta with 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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