Rigatoni Tossed With Tomatoes, Kalamata Olives and Pine Nuts

Savor the taste of Italy with this robust, delicious pasta dinner. The fresh tomatoes, olives, capers, toasted pine nuts, garlic, and Italian herbs make this a great weeknight dish. It's satisfying, light & tasty, and quick to prepare on even the busiest of evenings. Add a tossed salad, warm crusty Italian bread, a nice bottle of red wine, finish with a piece of fresh fruit (as Italians usually do), and you have a healthy, authentic Italian meal.

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1  pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1⁄4 cup kalamata olive, pitted and halved
• 3  tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2  tablespoons fresh basil leaves, snipped
• 1  tablespoon fresh oregano, snipped
• 2  tablespoons capers
• 6  anchovies, finely chopped
• 2  tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1  pinch nutmeg
•  crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
• 3  large garlic cloves, minced
• 3  cups rigatoni pasta, uncooked
• 1⁄4 cup flat-leaf Italian parsley, chopped
• 1⁄2 cup pine nuts, toasted
• 1⁄2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Directions

1. In an extra large mixing bowl, gently mix together the first thirteen (13) ingredients. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two (2) hours BUT no more than twenty-four (24) hours. (Tip: Refrigerate in the morning, the flavors will be well-married by dinner time.).
2. Prepare the rigatoni as directed on the package; drain. Immediately toss pasta with the chilled tomato and olive mixture. Serve either immediately or chilled. Sprinkle with parsley, pine nuts and Parmesan cheese.
3. COOK'S TIP: Afraid of anchovies? If this sounds like you, it may sound tempting to prepare this recipe omitting them. Please, please, please do not do this until you have at least tried it with them. The chopped up anchovies become almost paste-like and dissolve into the other ingredients, so you don't have to worry about biting into or tasting anchovy. What you will taste, however, is a depth of flavor that will be missing if they are left out. Be brave - Give them a try.