Tomato Basil Pasta

I love this versatile flavor combination as a base for pasta salad! Stir in 1 lb. cooked chicken strips, to serve as an entrée*. 

fresh tomatoes, fresh basil, fresh cheese...

Ingredients

• 1 lb. cocktail tomatoes, chopped
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup dry whole-grain pasta: spirals, bow-ties, or broken spaghetti
• Additional sliced fresh vegetables, as desired: mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, carrots... I use whatever I have on hand, and I happened to have mushrooms this time
• *1 lb. thinly sliced cooked chicken breast - to prepare as a main dish
• ⅓ cup fresh cheese, shredded Parmesan or chunked mozzarella - I used mozzarella this time

Directions

Cut tomatoes in half and lightly squeeze juice into medium size glass bowl. Chop tomatoes, and add to bowl with basil, olive oil, garlic, salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Cover, and let sit at room temperature to blend flavors while preparing pasta.

Ready to serve

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain well.

Add the pasta and any additional ingredients, if using, to the bowl and mix. Add cheese, and toss lightly. Serve immediately.

Let me know if you have any questions. Please share your ideas and photos, along with this post!