Print

Easy Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta with Fresh Mozzarella

burst cherry tomato pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and simple pasta dish featuring burst cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, garlic, and olive oil, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (about 300g) cherry tomatoes, halved or whole if small
  • 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella, torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz (225g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
  • 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • A handful fresh basil, torn (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Zest of half a lemon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water. Cook 8 oz (225g) of pasta according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes. Reserve 1 cup (240ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of thinly sliced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften and burst. Gently press some tomatoes with the back of a spoon to release their juices, stirring occasionally for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce is slightly thickened.
  4. Season the tomato mixture with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir well and turn the heat to low.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water little by little as needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
  6. Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the torn fresh mozzarella. Let it sit for a minute or two so the mozzarella softens but doesn’t completely melt.
  7. Add torn fresh basil leaves and lemon zest if using. Give a final gentle toss.
  8. Serve immediately. Top with extra basil or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Notes

Do not rush the tomato bursting step to bring out sweeter, richer flavor. Avoid burning garlic by cooking on medium heat and watching closely. Add mozzarella off the heat to keep creamy texture. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if needed. For variations, try burrata instead of mozzarella or add fresh basil and chili flakes for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: cherry tomato pasta, fresh mozzarella, quick pasta recipe, easy dinner, weeknight meal, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/easy-burst-cherry-tomato-pasta-with-fresh-mozzarella-recipe-to-make-tonight/