Large, hearty tubes of paccheri pasta tossed with sweet, blistered cherry tomatoes, creamy melted mozzarella, and aromatic fresh basil—this Paccheri Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomato and Mozzarella is rustic Italian comfort food at its best. With a minimal ingredient list and simple preparation, it’s a celebration of bold flavors and satisfying textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta dish embodies the simplicity and richness of traditional Italian cuisine. The sweetness of roasted cherry tomatoes is perfectly balanced by the richness of mozzarella and the herbal freshness of basil. It’s fast enough for a weeknight meal, yet elegant enough for entertaining. The paccheri’s large shape captures the juicy tomato sauce and molten cheese in every bite, making it especially satisfying.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 12 oz paccheri pasta (or rigatoni)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, torn into chunks
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the paccheri pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and begin to burst, creating a light sauce.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat in the tomato mixture.
5. Stir in fresh basil leaves and mozzarella chunks. Mix gently until the mozzarella just begins to melt and turn stringy.
6. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and additional basil if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add protein: Include cooked Italian sausage, grilled chicken, or shrimp for a heartier meal.
• Make it spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a diced chili for extra heat.
• Cheese variation: Use burrata or smoked mozzarella for a different flavor.
• Roast the tomatoes: For deeper flavor, roast the tomatoes in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes before adding to the pasta.
• Use other pasta shapes: Rigatoni, ziti, or penne are suitable substitutes for paccheri.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce.
Avoid microwaving for too long as it can affect the texture of the mozzarella.

FAQs

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

Fresh basil is recommended for its vibrant flavor, but you can use a pinch of dried basil in a pinch.

What is paccheri pasta?

Paccheri is a large, tube-shaped Italian pasta that holds sauces well and is ideal for hearty dishes like this one.

Can I use cherry tomatoes of different colors?

Yes, using a mix of red, yellow, and orange cherry tomatoes adds visual appeal and subtle flavor variations.

What kind of mozzarella works best?

Use fresh mozzarella balls torn into chunks. Low-moisture mozzarella will not melt as smoothly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and cook the pasta when ready to serve.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, it contains no meat and is suitable for vegetarians.

What can I serve with this pasta?

Serve with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or a glass of Italian red wine.

How can I thicken the sauce?

Simmer the tomatoes a bit longer, or add a spoonful of tomato paste for more body.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Freezing is not recommended due to the mozzarella’s texture after thawing.

Conclusion

Paccheri Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomato and Mozzarella is a rustic, flavor-packed dish that comes together effortlessly yet delivers a memorable dining experience. With its rich tomato base, melted cheese, and aromatic herbs, this pasta is sure to satisfy any craving for a comforting Italian meal. Perfect for weeknights or weekend gatherings, it’s a dish that feels both simple and special.

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