Summer pasta*
1 pound penne pasta
1/4 cup olive oil
4 cloves minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 pound small tomatoes (either plum, cherry, or grape) chopped
8 ounces cold FRESH mozzarella, cut into small 1/2 inch cubes
8 large fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the penne. Cook the pasta until tender but still has a bit to it, about 8 minutes. Meanwhile, in a heavy large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, red pepper flakes, and a heaping teaspoon of salt and saute for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the tomatoes and cook for about 4 minutes, stirring often. Add the cooked pasta and stir together and let cook together for about 2 minutes. Take off the heat and add the mozzarella and basil, along with salt and pepper to taste. Toss one more time and serve!! Could it get any easier??














