Spicy Garlic Tomato Mozzarella Pasta – Easy Weeknight Dinner

Last Updated on April 24, 2025 by Tracy

This easy penne pasta recipe with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and mozzarella is fresh, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes. Made with Carbe Diem penne, it’s a delicious low-carb pasta dish perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining!

If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a meal that’s quick, flavorful, and doesn’t require a ton of prep or cleanup. Bonus points if it tastes like something you’d get at your favorite Italian spot, right? This Spicy Garlic Tomato Mozzarella Pasta is just that—a simple, delicious dish that’s packed with fresh flavors and comes together in under 30 minutes. Score! Plus, it’s made with ingredients you probably already have on hand!

You all know that we like a little bit of heat in just about all our dishes, but you can leave out the red pepper flakes if you aren’t feeling spicy 😉

I am following WW still, so I am always looking out for meals that are easy and also low carb….Um, so how does pasta fit that category? Have you discovered Carbe Diem pasta yet?! SO good and low points!

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Garlic Tomato Mozzarella Pasta

First of all, it’s easy to make. Second, you’ll have dinner on the table in about 20 minutes. Next, who doesn’t love tomatoes and cheese…and pasta?! You’ve got all the classic flavors of a Caprese salad—ripe cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil—transformed into a warm, spicy pasta dish that’s absolutely bursting with flavor.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 (12 oz) box of Carbe Diem Penne Pasta (or your favorite pasta)
  
• 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
  
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
  
• Handful of fresh basil, chopped
  
• 1 (10 oz) container cherry tomatoes
  
• 1 (8 oz) log of mozzarella cheese, cubed
  
• 1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (more to taste)
  
• Optional: fresh basil, thinly sliced, for garnish
  

How to Make Spicy Garlic Tomato Mozzarella Pasta:

1. Cook the pasta: Follow the package instructions for cooking the pasta. Once done, drain and set aside.
   
2. Sauté the base: In a large sauté pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cherry tomatoes. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the tomatoes begin to soften and burst open.
   
3. Combine: Remove the pan from heat, then stir in the cooked pasta, cubed mozzarella, fresh basil and red pepper flakes. Drizzle in the remaining olive oil. Toss everything gently until it’s well combined and the mozzarella starts to melt slightly.
   
4. Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil for that extra pop of flavor and color.
   

Variations:

• Pasta Choice: I used Carbe Diem Penne Pasta here, which is a lower-carb option, but any pasta you love will work. Penne is great because it holds the sauce well, but feel free to swap it for spaghetti, fusilli, or whatever you have on hand.
  
• Cheese: Fresh mozzarella is a must here, but if you don’t have it, mozzarella pearls or shredded mozzarella will work too. The key is using a cheese that will melt and coat the pasta beautifully.
  
• Want to Add Protein? This pasta is fantastic on its own, but if you’re looking to make it heartier, try adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a plant-based option.
  
• Milder Version: Not into spicy food? You can easily skip or reduce the red pepper flakes. The dish will still be flavorful, thanks to the garlic and basil.
  
• Extra Veggies: Add a handful of spinach or sautéed zucchini for a bit of extra veggie goodness!
  

Wine Pairing Tips for Garlic, Tomato & Mozzarella Pasta

White Wine Pairing Suggestions

• Pinot Grigio – Crisp, refreshing, and light enough to complement the tomatoes and mozzarella without overpowering the dish. It’s also great for cooling down the spice.
• Sauvignon Blanc – Zesty acidity, citrus notes, and herbaceous character pair really well with the basil and garlic. It cuts through the richness of the olive oil and cheese beautifully.
• Vermentino – A Mediterranean white with citrus and herbal notes—it also pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes that have tomato and basil flavors.

Red Wine Pairing Suggestions

• Chianti – A classic Italian red wine with bright acidity and cherry-tomato flavors. It’s great with tomato-based pasta and can handle a little heat.
• Barbera – Another Italian red that’s fruity, smooth, and lower in tannins, making it a nice match for the spiciness and fresh mozzarella.
• Pinot Noir – If you prefer a lighter red, Pinot Noir is a versatile option that complements the spice and won’t overpower the fresh ingredients.

Why This Pasta Is a Weeknight Winner

Let’s be real, some days you just want a meal that feels indulgent but doesn’t take hours to prepare. This Spicy Garlic Tomato Mozzarella Pasta checks all the boxes—it’s flavorful, satisfying, and doesn’t leave you with a sink full of dishes. You can have it ready in 20 minutes, and it only requires one pan (besides your pasta pot). For busy moms or anyone who wants to get dinner on the table quickly without compromising on flavor, this dish is it.

This recipe is that it’s completely customizable, it’s so easy to adjust to your taste. And no matter what, it’s always packed with fresh, vibrant flavors!

Alright, let’s make some pasta, shall we?

Let me know if you try it—I’d love to hear what you think or how you made it your own!

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