Quick Tomato, Basil & Garlic Pasta Dinner

Shiraz's Note:

We make this all the time when we just need to throw together something quick. It is very satisfying with a dinner salad and a nice glass of wine. It is really important that you use fresh, tasty cherry tomatoes.

• Total Time: 20 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 lb penne rigate
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (or more if you love garlic like I do)
• 1 pint ripe cherry tomatoes, sliced in half (approximately 1.5 cups)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes (or more if you like spicy things)
• salt and black pepper
• grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to directions on package.
2. While the pasta is cooking, saute the garlic and the red pepper flakes in olive oil over medium heat.
3. Don't let the garlic get brown.
4. After 2-3 minutes, turn off the heat and add the cherry tomatoes to the pan.
5. When pasta is done cooking and has been drained, add in the tomato mixture, add in basil and mix well.
6. Add salt& pepper as you like, and serve topped with parmesan.

Reviews

[RedVinoGirl]

GREAT! Made this as a side dish. I used roma's that I quartered and increased the garlic to 7. I used 3/4 pound of pasta and used Romano cheese. YUM!

[NewWifey]

Yumm! I totally understand why this is a 5 star dish!!! I do love bruschetta so I knew I would probably love this and I did. I just heated, diced, and tossed in pre-cooked Trader Joe's jalapeno spicy sausage for a little protein fresh basil is best here and I did need to add a little pasta water to moisten it up a bit at the end. Easy and tasty weeknight meal w/leftovers for lunch thanks Shiraz!!

[BurgundyS]

This is a good, basic dish. I honestly don't understand all the 5 star reviews though - that is the reason I gave a 3. It's good, but not spectacular.