Pan-Seared Pizza Margherita with Fresh Basil and Mozzarella

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

A quick homemade pizza cooked in a skillet featuring a tender crust topped with tangy tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil leaves. This italian-inspired pizza (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs ball (about 250g) pizza dough, olive oil, tomato sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 2, 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: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Stretch 1 ball (about 250g) of pizza dough into a 10-inch round and place it carefully into the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden and crisp.
  3. Step 3: Flip the dough over using a spatula. Spread 1/3 cup tomato sauce evenly over the cooked side, then top with 4 oz sliced fresh mozzarella.
  4. Step 4: Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for another 4-5 minutes on medium-low heat until the cheese melts and the crust is cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, season with 1/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder. Scatter 8 fresh basil leaves on top before slicing and serving warm.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Pizza Margherita with Fresh Basil and Mozzarella take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Pan-Seared Pizza Margherita with Fresh Basil 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 ball (about 250g) pizza dough from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Pizza Margherita with Fresh Basil 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 Pan-Seared Pizza Margherita with Fresh Basil and Mozzarella for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Pan-Seared Pizza Margherita with Fresh Basil and 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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