One-Pot Tomato Basil Penne with Mozzarella

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

A simple, comforting one-pot pasta dish where penne cooks directly in a fresh tomato basil sauce, finished with melted mozzarella for a gooey texture. This italian-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, 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.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 5 min Cook: 20 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 deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and juices release.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth and add 12 oz penne pasta, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 12-14 minutes until pasta is al dente and liquid reduces to a thick sauce.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup chopped fresh basil and 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and creates a creamy coating on the pasta.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately garnished with extra basil if desired.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (5 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 One-Pot Tomato Basil Penne 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 penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Tomato Basil Penne 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 Basil Penne 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.

Is One-Pot Tomato Basil Penne with Mozzarella 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.

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