Tomato Basil Spaghetti with Mozzarella

Tomato Basil Spaghetti with Mozzarella is the kind of dish that feels simple yet luxurious—like something you’d enjoy in a quaint Italian café overlooking cobblestone streets. It captures everything wonderful about Italian cooking: fresh ingredients, minimal effort, and maximum flavor.

This dish combines tender spaghetti tossed in a bright garlic-tomato sauce with fresh basil, ripe cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and creamy mozzarella pearls. The pasta absorbs the sauce beautifully, creating a comforting yet refreshing bowl of goodness. Every bite is balanced—light acidity from tomatoes, creaminess from mozzarella, and the fresh perfume of basil.

Why I Love This Recipe

I adore this recipe because it embodies simplicity done right. A small ingredient list doesn’t mean simple flavor—on the contrary, each ingredient contributes something unique and essential.

• The fresh basil lifts the dish with warm, herbal notes.
• The mozzarella melts slightly into the warm spaghetti, becoming creamy and dreamy.
• The tomatoes burst with sweetness and tang.
• The garlic and olive oil form the base of a classic Italian flavor profile.

It’s a reminder that great food doesn’t need complications—just care, balance, and freshness.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

You should make this dish because:

✔ It’s quick and perfect for busy days
✔ It’s budget-friendly but feels gourmet
✔ It can be served warm or cold as a pasta salad
✔ It’s family-friendly and kid-approved
✔ It uses pantry staples and seasonal ingredients

It’s also wonderfully customizable—add chili flakes for heat, swap mozzarella for burrata, or add grilled chicken for more protein.

Time & Yield

Step	Time
Preparation Time	10 minutes
Cooking Time	15 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes

Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: Approx. 480–520 kcal
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
• Salt (for boiling pasta)

For the Tomato Basil Sauce

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (or 3 medium tomatoes, diced)
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼–½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)
• ¼ cup pasta water (reserved from cooking)

For Garnishing

• 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls (or diced mozzarella block)
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Extra olive oil drizzle, optional

Cooking Directions

1. Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add tomatoes, salt, pepper, red chili flakes (optional), and sugar. Cook 5–7 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
4. Add pasta water and simmer for 1–2 minutes to create a silky sauce.
5. Toss the cooked spaghetti into the sauce and combine well.
6. Remove from heat and mix in basil and mozzarella.
7. Serve warm, drizzled with olive oil and Parmesan if desired.

Step-By-Step Method

1. Boil the pasta:
   Cook spaghetti until al dente. Save pasta water.
2. Sauté aromatics:
   Warm olive oil and cook garlic until lightly golden.
3. Add tomatoes and seasonings:
   Cook until tomatoes soften and become saucy.
4. Create silky texture:
   Add pasta water to emulsify and thicken the sauce.
5. Combine pasta and sauce:
   Toss spaghetti until fully coated.
6. Finish with fresh ingredients:
   Off heat, stir in basil and mozzarella—don’t cook them.

How to Serve

Serve in warm bowls. Add:

A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
Fresh basil leaves
Grated Parmesan or Pecorino

Pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pasta pot
• Skillet or sauté pan
• Colander
• Tongs or pasta spoon

Recipe Tips

• Salt the pasta water generously—it seasons the entire dish.
• Use fresh basil, not dried—it makes all the difference.
• Don’t cook the mozzarella—it melts too much and becomes stringy.

Variations

Style	What to Add
Protein Boost	Grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage
Creamy Version	Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or burrata
Vegan Option	Use vegan cheese and more olive oil
Spicy Style	Add extra chili flakes or sliced jalapeños
Caprese-Inspired	Add balsamic glaze drizzle

Storage & Freezing

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not suitable—fresh mozzarella and basil don’t freeze well.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of olive oil or water.

FAQ

Q: Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes, use crushed or diced tomatoes, but fresh gives better texture.

Q: Can this be served cold?
Absolutely—it becomes a delicious Caprese pasta salad.

Q: Can I use another pasta shape?
Yes—penne, linguine, rigatoni, or fusilli work great.

Conclusion

Tomato Basil Spaghetti with Mozzarella is proof that food doesn’t need to be complicated to be extraordinary. With only a handful of fresh ingredients, this dish offers elegance, comfort, and bold Italian flavor in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding loved ones, this recipe delivers warmth, freshness, and pure satisfaction in every forkful.