Sautéed Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Mozzarella
Tangy crushed tomatoes simmered with fresh basil and garlic, tossed with al dente pasta and melted mozzarella for a restaurant-quality weeknight meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh, chopped basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 oz, cut into 1/2-inch cubes mozzarella
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent browning.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 can crushed tomatoes, 1/4 cup fresh basil, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to skillet along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until sauce coats pasta strands and becomes glossy.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 4 oz mozzarella cubes and 1/4 cup grated parmesan until cheese melts and forms a creamy coating.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Mozzarella 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 Sautéed Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh 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 from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh 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 Sautéed Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh 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 Sautéed Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Love how the Italian come through in every bite.
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
