Fresh Cherry Tomato With Basil and Mozzarella Pasta

Bev's Note:

I have found this to be an excellent way to serve whole wheat pasta. Of course you could use regular pasta if you prefer. Using cherry or grape tomatoes add a lot of flavor to this simple recipe. Throwing it together takes only minutes and makes a great weekday meal! Serve either as a hot meal or cold as a salad.

• Total Time: 15 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 10 ounces whole wheat penne
• 3 pints cherry tomatoes, quartered (or grape tomatoes)
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls, drained
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3/4 cup fresh basil, slivered (or use 1 tsp dry)
• 1 cup olive oil
• salt, to taste
• fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Bring pot of water to boil; cook penne according to package directions.
2. While pasta is cooking, in a large bowl, combine tomatoes, mozzarella, minced garlic and basil.
3. Add olive oil, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Drain penne; add to tomato mixture and combine.
5. Serve immediately, or refrigerate and and serve chilled as salad.