Penne with Mozzarella, Cherry Tomatoes, and Basil is a really easy Italian summer pasta dish. It's even more delicious at room temperature. If you don't like the tuna, leave it out.
If you're making this Penne with Mozzarella and Cherry Tomatoes, be sure to also check out my creamy tomato pasta and Bruschetta with Mozzarella for more simple, tomato-forward Italian favorites.
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This cherry tomato mozzarella pasta is one of the easiest Italian dinners you can make. Sweet blistered cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil, and al dente pasta come together in under 30 minutes.
If you're searching for pasta with tomatoes and mozzarella, this is the classic summer version Italians actually make. It's simple, fresh, and even better at room temperature.
This is one of those fresh mozzarella pasta recipes that proves you don't need heavy sauces to make something incredible.
Why You'll Love This Mozzarella Pasta Recipe
- Ready in about 25 minutes
- Uses fresh, simple ingredients
- Perfect for summer
- Delicious warm or at room temperature
- Naturally vegetarian (tuna optional)
If you're looking for pasta recipes with fresh mozzarella, this one should be at the top of your list.
Ingredients
- 450 g (1 lb) penne pasta
- 3 medium balls fresh mozzarella, cut into chunks
- 450 g (1 lb) cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- Handful fresh basil, sliced
- 1 can albacore tuna (optional)
- 60-80 ml (¼-⅓ cup) extra virgin olive oil
- Dash balsamic vinegar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Ingredient Notes
- Fresh Mozzarella
Use high-quality fresh mozzarella packed in water. Buffalo mozzarella works beautifully here and makes this one of the best buffalo mozzarella recipes with pasta you can try. - Cherry Tomatoes
The sweeter, the better. In peak summer, this pasta tastes incredible with sun-ripened tomatoes. - Basil
Always use fresh. Tear or slice just before adding to keep it vibrant. - Olive Oil
Since there's no heavy sauce, use good extra virgin olive oil. It makes a difference. - Tuna (Optional)
Adds protein and turns this into a complete one-bowl dinner. Leave it out for a fully vegetarian dish.
How to Make Pasta with Fresh Tomatoes and Mozzarella
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve a small splash of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Prepare the Mozzarella Mixture
While the pasta cooks, add the chopped mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, basil, and tuna (if using) to a large serving bowl.
Step 3: Combine
Drain the pasta and immediately toss it into the bowl with the mozzarella mixture. The residual heat gently softens the cheese and releases tomato juices.
Step 4: Dress the Pasta
Drizzle with olive oil and a small dash of balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Toss gently until everything is coated.
If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to help create a light coating.
Step 5: Adjust and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm or let it sit for 10-15 minutes for even better flavor.
Expert Tips
- Salt your pasta water well. It's your only chance to season the pasta itself.
- Don't overcook the pasta. It should be slightly firm.
- Let the pasta cool slightly before adding mozzarella if you want bigger chunks instead of melted pockets.
- Add mozzarella just before serving if making ahead.
- Use room temperature mozzarella for best texture.
Variations
- Blistered Tomato Version
Roast the cherry tomatoes at 200°C for 15 minutes before mixing for a deeper flavor. - Caprese Style
Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze and flaky sea salt before serving. - Spicy Kick
Add red pepper flakes or thinly sliced fresh chili. - Cold Pasta Salad
Chill fully and serve as a pasta salad for picnics.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Before serving, drizzle with extra olive oil and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
FAQ
Penne works well, but fusilli or rigatoni also hold the tomatoes and mozzarella nicely.
Fresh mozzarella is best. Shredded mozzarella doesn't give the same creamy texture.
Yes. It makes this one of the best buffalo mozzarella recipes with pasta for summer.
Both. It's excellent warm and even better at room temperature.
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Pasta with Tomatoes and Mozzarella (Caprese Pasta)
Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 3 balls medium sized of fresh mozzarella
- 1 lb cherry tomatoes sliced in half
- handful of sliced basil
- can of Albacore tuna optional
- ¼ - ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- dash balsamic vinegar
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice mozzarella in little chunks. In a large bowl, add the mozzarella, sliced cherry tomatoes, and basil (and tuna, if you are using it).
- Cook pasta until it's al dente.
- Drain the pasta and toss it into the bowl with the mozzarella mixture.
Nutrition Disclaimer
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information presented below is an approximation and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
Love pasta and was reading your newest post and not being a fan of zucchini I found this on your site instead and I love it! I am so glad you have the section for other things you might like so this was easy to find!
Oh goodness, I could spend days wandering a local specialty market here...imagine me there 😉
Wonderful pasta dish!
Love that Bakery section, Lora! How did you resist so many goodies 🙂 The first pasta click look so refreshing and healthy.
The penne pasta dish looks amazing and one my husband would love for sure. While I'm not one to linger over the fish counter those black fish on display in the photo (they look like fish hooks) are intriguing. I've never seen anything like them before!
Talk about food envy drool. I want some of that pasta on my fork right about now. Looks absolutely delicious.
I want to come play in Italy with you! I'm getting so hungry looking at all your pictures lately!
Love all your photos! Definitely making me miss Italy. Hope you're having an amazing time!
è buonissima,lo dico perchè ogni tanto la faccio anche io,solo non metto l'aceto balsamico,che meraviglia d la foto con tutti quei dolci ...............
is very good, I say this because every time I make even me, I just do not put the balsamic vinegar, the wonder of the photo with all those sweet ......
hello and good night from Italy
Heck, I get excited to go to grocery stores in different parts of the US and Canada, let alone another country. I just like seeing what they have that's different from my home stores. I'd be over the MOON to go in Italy. Mmmmm, hope you are enjoying all that wonderful food.
Hi sweet lady...you know I love my trips to the grocery store. I feel like I live at Whole Foods! I Loved seeing the grocery store items you get to peruse this summer. I'm jealous! Thank you for sharing with me tonight, Lora. I miss you and think of you often.
A trip to the grocery is one of my favorite afternoons 🙂 But knowing that fresh baked goods are at home in the oven sounds even more fantastic!
Yum! I love the chunks of mozzarella in the pasta--so good. And, I too love the supermarket, lol.
Oh my word those pastries!!!! I want them all right now. And the pasta is calling my name. I want to come eat in Italy with you! 🙂
I always get drawn in with pastry. Lovely simple pasta dish too.
Seafood markets have a great allure for me, too. It's so much fun to choose what to make out of the delicious bounty of the ocean. That pasta sounds wonderful...simple and delicious.
Yum! When I was just out of college, my best friend and I visited her brother in NYC and he made us a similar dish (minus the tuna). It's still one of my favorite pasta dishes to make. Fun pix from the markets!
Yum, I'd need to buy every single pastry on display. But for the sake of research of course 😉 Love it, thanks for sharing dear!
i know exactly how that goes girl 😉 I remember being in Italy and drooling over all of the delicious pasta/pastries that the marketplace offered! that pasta looks divine!
I love going to the supermarket/food stores in different countries too. When I was in Malaysia in January, I spent hours at this one place picking out spice packets for curries. I couldn't read anything on the labels, but it was so much fun!
Love the simplicity of this recipe, and it's always nice to have a set of recipes for canned tuna for times when you need good food, fast 🙂
This is wonderful food. I go nuts whenever I see good seafood. Your pasta looks wonderful too.