Here is another super simple dish that can be made in the time it takes to cook the pasta. You can use any type of pasta in this dish so feel free to swing out. I’ve used all different shapes, but my favorite was the pasta shaped like the state of Texas. It was so weird I had to buy it.
Recipe information
Yield
serves 4
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and keep warm.
Step 2
Meanwhile, peel the garlic and finely chop. Cut the tomatoes in quarters, remove and discard the stems and seeds, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Remove and discard the stems from the basil leaves and roughly chop so most of the pieces are 1/4 inch or less. Break the mozzarella into 1/4- to 1/2-inch pieces.
Step 3
Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan and add the tomatoes and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently for 5 minutes, or until the tomatoes are warmed through. Add the basil and stir until combined. Remove from the heat and stir in the hot pasta. Season with salt and pepper, stir in the mozzarella cheese, and serve immediately.
Bargain Shopper
Step 4
Fresh mozzarella cheese is delicious, but it can also be expensive. If your budget is tight, use shredded mozzarella cheese. It costs about half as much as fresh mozzarella and your pasta will still taste great. But, don’t even think about using dried basil instead of fresh. The fresh basil is what gives this dish its flavor, and the dried version would be a very poor substitute.
