Zesty Italian Pasta

5 from 10 votes

Zesty Italian Pasta is a quick, flavor-packed dish with tangy Italian dressing, sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil ribbons for the perfect finishing touch!

Prep Time15

Cook Time10

Total Time25

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American, Healthy, Vegetarian

Keyword: Italian pasta, Zesty Italian Pasta

Servings: servings

Author: Chelsea Lords

Cost: $7.85

Equipment

Ingredients

8 ounces angel hair pasta uncooked, not the entire box
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 small red onion or yellow onion, very finely chopped (1 cup)
2 teaspoons minced garlic
3/4 cup Italian dressing divided; I recommend Kraft Zesty® Italian Dressing, see note 1
2-1/2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
1/2 cup fresh basil ribboned
3/4 cup mozzarella cheese pearls or a block of cheese cut to small cubes
Salt and pepper
Grated Parmesan cheese optional
Red pepper flakes optional

US - Metric

Instructions

In a very large pot, boil 12 cups water, then add 1 tablespoon salt to season. Return water to a boil, then add pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain pasta once cooked, but do not rinse.
While pasta is coming to a boil, heat olive oil in a large pan (big enough to hold pasta later on!) over medium-high heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook, stirring until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic, stirring until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup of the Italian dressing, and salt and pepper to taste (1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper recommended). Cook 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
As tomatoes soften, smash them with the back of a wooden spoon. Cook 2–3 more minutes until the mixture forms a chunky sauce.
Transfer drained pasta to the pan. Add remaining 1/4 cup of dressing and toss to coat the pasta evenly. Stir in fresh basil ribbons and mozzarella cheese. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
Optionally, add red pepper flakes, either to the pan or individually on plates. Plate the pasta and use a fine grater to grate fresh Parmesan cheese over each serving. Best enjoyed immediately.

Video

Notes

Note 1: Kraft Zesty® Italian Dressing brings tanginess and zest to the dish. I highly recommend this brand, since the quality of the dressing will directly affect the overall flavor of the pasta. (This guide may help you decide what brand to use!) Fat-free Italian dressing can also be used.

Storage: This Zesty Italian Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, though it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Nutrition