If you’re craving a pasta dish that bursts with fresh flavors and creamy indulgence, you have to try this Tomato Basil Pasta with Mozzarella Pearls Recipe. It’s a delightful celebration of simple, vibrant ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. Juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and little balls of mozzarella all entwined with perfectly cooked spaghetti create a dish that’s as colorful on the plate as it is memorable on the palate. Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight meal or impressing friends at a casual dinner, this recipe never fails to warm hearts and satisfy taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Tomato Basil Pasta with Mozzarella Pearls Recipe so wonderful is its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and aroma that make the dish truly special. From the bright cherry tomatoes to the creamy mozzarella pearls, every bite is a delight.
- 8 oz spaghettini: A thin pasta that cooks quickly and lets the sauce cling beautifully to every strand.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the garlic and tomatoes without overpowering the fresh flavors.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with warmth and depth that elevates the entire recipe.
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes (halved): Provide juicy bursts of tangy sweetness that are the star of the sauce.
- 2 large handfuls fresh basil leaves (torn): Bring a bright herbal note that perfectly balances the tomatoes and cheese.
- 8 oz mozzarella pearls (halved): Offer creamy, melt-in-your-mouth pops of lusciousness throughout the pasta.
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that ties all the flavors together.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and layers of flavor complexity.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a hint of heat to elevate this fresh pasta dish.
How to Make Tomato Basil Pasta with Mozzarella Pearls Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
This dish comes together super fast, so it’s key to have everything ready before you start. Mince the garlic, halve the cherry tomatoes, tear the basil, and slice the mozzarella pearls in half if you prefer smaller bites. Having these elements prepped means you can cook efficiently and keep the flavors bright and fresh.
Step 2: Gently Cook the Garlic
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat, then add the minced garlic. Cook it slowly until fragrant and softened, about 2 to 3 minutes, careful not to let it brown. This gentle cooking draws out garlic’s mellow sweetness, setting the foundation for the sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While your garlic is sauteing, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt it generously – this seasons the pasta right through. Cook your spaghettini according to package directions until al dente, perfect for tossing with the fresh tomato mixture.
Step 4: Sauté the Cherry Tomatoes
To the skillet with garlic, add your halved cherry tomatoes. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes if you want a gentle heat. Turn up the heat to medium or medium-high and cook for 5 to 6 minutes. You want the tomatoes soft and juicy but not completely broken down, so they burst with flavor without becoming saucy.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Tomatoes
Drain your pasta, reserving about half a cup of the cooking water. Toss the pasta into the skillet with the tomatoes over low heat. If things seem a little dry, stir in the reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until beautifully silky. This step helps marry everything together with just the right consistency.
Step 6: Add Basil, Mozzarella, and Parmesan
The final magic touches are the fresh basil, mozzarella pearls, and parmesan cheese. Add these right into the skillet and gently toss everything until the cheese starts to soften and the basil releases its aroma. Serve immediately with extra parmesan and fresh basil if you like, for an irresistible finish.
How to Serve Tomato Basil Pasta with Mozzarella Pearls Recipe
Garnishes
When serving this Tomato Basil Pasta with Mozzarella Pearls Recipe, a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese and a few whole basil leaves elevate the dish with extra depth and freshness. For a little texture contrast, a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or even some toasted pine nuts adds a lovely touch.
Side Dishes
This pasta is satisfying enough to stand on its own, but if you want a bit more variety on the table, a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette complements it beautifully. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette also makes a fantastic side to mop up every last bit of those juicy tomatoes and melted cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful presentation, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls and scatter a few extra mozzarella pearls on top right before serving. You can even stuff small cherry tomatoes with mozzarella and basil as an amuse-bouche to accompany the meal. Either way, the colors and textures make this dish as lovely to look at as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of the Tomato Basil Pasta with Mozzarella Pearls Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that fresh basil can darken when stored, so you may want to add a few fresh leaves when reheating for that vibrant herbal flavor.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh because the basil and mozzarella pearls don’t freeze well—they can become watery or lose texture. It’s better to prepare only what you plan to eat within a couple of days and enjoy the bright freshness of each serving.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat just until the mozzarella starts to soften and the tomatoes release their juices again. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. Avoid the microwave if possible, to keep the delicate textures intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghettini is perfect for its lightness and texture, you can swap in linguine, angel hair, or even penne. Just adjust cooking time according to the pasta type to keep everything al dente.
What if I don’t have fresh mozzarella pearls? Can I use regular mozzarella?
You can definitely use fresh mozzarella, just cut it into small cubes to mimic the bite-sized pearls. Avoid pre-shredded mozzarella as it won’t melt as nicely and often contains additives.
Is this Tomato Basil Pasta with Mozzarella Pearls Recipe suitable for vegans?
To make it vegan, swap the mozzarella pearls and parmesan cheese with plant-based alternatives and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor boost. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based and delicious.
Can I add protein to this pasta?
Yes! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy chickpeas make fantastic protein add-ons that complement the fresh flavors without overpowering the dish.
How do I make this dish spicier?
Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the tomatoes while cooking. You can also sprinkle some chili oil on the finished dish for a flavorful kick.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about cooking and sharing this Tomato Basil Pasta with Mozzarella Pearls Recipe. It’s a dish that’s quick, fresh, and endlessly satisfying, reminding us that sometimes the simplest ingredients can create the most memorable meals. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—it’s sure to become a favorite at your table too!
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Tomato Basil Pasta with Mozzarella Pearls Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This fresh and flavorful Tomato Basil Pasta is a quick and easy Italian-inspired dish combining spaghettini with sautéed garlic, juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant fresh basil, creamy mozzarella pearls, and grated parmesan cheese. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal, it comes together in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghettini
Sauce and Mix-ins
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (about 2 pints)
- 2 large handfuls fresh basil leaves, torn
- 8 oz mozzarella pearls, halved
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional), to taste
Instructions
- Prep: Have all ingredients ready to go as this recipe pulls together quickly, making the cooking process smooth and efficient.
- Cook garlic: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the olive oil, then stir in minced garlic. Cook gently for about 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and softened but not browned to develop a mild, aromatic base.
- Cook pasta: Once the water is boiling, generously salt it and cook the spaghettini according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- Cook tomatoes: While the pasta cooks, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet with garlic. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Increase heat to medium or medium-high and sauté the tomatoes for 5-6 minutes, until they are softened but still retain some shape, creating a fresh tomato sauce.
- Toss pasta with tomatoes: Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the tomatoes. Gently toss over low heat to combine. If the sauce feels too dry, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time to loosen the mixture, ensuring the pasta is nicely coated.
- Finish and serve: Stir in the torn fresh basil leaves, halved mozzarella pearls, and grated parmesan cheese. Toss gently to incorporate all flavors and serve immediately. Garnish with additional parmesan, basil, and seasoning as desired.
Notes
- You can use other pasta shapes such as penne or fusilli if you prefer; cooking times may vary slightly.
- To bulk up the portion size, simply add more pasta and adjust other ingredient quantities accordingly.
- Fresh basil adds bright herbal notes—torn rather than chopped to avoid bruising the leaves.
- For added heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to your taste.
- Reserve pasta water is important to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to the pasta.
