A light and refreshing pasta dish, Simple Spaghetti Margherita combines juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil for a classic Italian-inspired meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or a casual dinner, it’s comfort food with a fresh twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 25 minutes — quick and satisfying.

• Uses simple, fresh ingredients for big flavor.

• Melty mozzarella and fresh basil give it that authentic Italian touch.

• Easy to customize with extra veggies or proteins.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• ½ cup (50 g) fresh mozzarella, diced or torn

• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn

• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Nutrition (per serving): ~360 kcal

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in red pepper flakes if using.

Step 3: Toss Pasta with Sauce

Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss with tomatoes. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Basil

Remove from heat. Stir in mozzarella and basil — the residual heat will gently melt the cheese.

Step 5: Serve

Plate and top with grated Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Make It Heartier: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage.

• More Veggies: Toss in spinach, zucchini, or roasted red peppers.

• Extra Flavor: Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or extra virgin olive oil.

• Pasta Swap: Use penne, linguine, or whole wheat spaghetti.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?

Yes, diced Roma or grape tomatoes work too, but cherry tomatoes give the best sweetness and texture.

Does this reheat well?

It’s best served fresh since mozzarella hardens when cooled. If reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to loosen it up.

Can I make it vegetarian-friendly?

It already is! Just skip the Parmesan or use a vegetarian-friendly version.

Can I make it spicy?

Absolutely — increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of chili powder.

Final Thoughts

Simple Spaghetti Margherita is the perfect balance of freshness and comfort. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a beautiful pasta dish that’s light yet satisfying — a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.