Imagine creating a restaurant-worthy Italian dish with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor - sounds too good to be true? Get ready to revolutionize your weeknight cooking with this incredibly simple One Pot Pasta with Tomato Basil and Mozzarella! This recipe is a game-changer that transforms basic ingredients into a mouthwatering meal in just 30 minutes, proving that gourmet cooking doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh basil
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 12 oz of pasta, 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of fresh basil, 8 oz of mozzarella cheese, 4 cups of vegetable broth, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté the tomatoes for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.
- While the tomatoes are cooking, rinse and chop the fresh basil leaves, ensuring to reserve a handful for garnish later.
- Once the tomatoes are softened, add the 12 oz of pasta to the pot, followed by the 4 cups of vegetable broth. Stir to combine all the ingredients and ensure the pasta is submerged in the broth.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the broth.
- While the pasta is cooking, cut the 8 oz of mozzarella cheese into small cubes or tear it into bite-sized pieces for easier melting.
- Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from heat and gently stir in the mozzarella cheese and the chopped basil. The residual heat will melt the cheese slightly and infuse the pasta with the fresh basil flavor.
- Let the pasta sit for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If the pasta seems too dry, you can add a splash of vegetable broth or a drizzle of olive oil to loosen it up.
- Serve the one pot pasta in bowls, garnished with the reserved fresh basil leaves. Enjoy your delicious and easy Italian meal!
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Use medium-length pasta like penne or fusilli that can absorb liquid evenly and cook consistently.
- Don't Overcrowd: Ensure your pot is large enough so ingredients have room to move and cook properly.
- Timing is Key: Stir occasionally and watch your liquid levels to prevent sticking or burning.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh basil and high-quality mozzarella for the most vibrant flavor profile.
- Customize Your Creation: Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp, or make it vegetarian by adding extra vegetables.
- Liquid Ratio Matters: If your pasta seems too dry, have extra vegetable broth on hand to adjust consistency.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the pasta to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps flavors meld and sauce thicken naturally.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 581kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 30mg
