Tomato-Basil Pasta

Directions

1. 1
   Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil and add the pasta.
2. 2
   Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes, or until al dente.
3. 3
   Drain the pasta in a colander and keep warm.
4. 4
   Meanwhile, peel the garlic and finely chop.
5. 5
   Cut the tomatoes in quarters, remove and discard the stems and seeds, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
6. 6
   Remove and discard the stems from the basil leaves and roughly chop so most of the pieces are 1/4 inch or less.
7. 7
   Break the mozzarella into 1/4- to 1/2-inch pieces.
8. 8
   Heat the olive oil in a large saute pan and add the tomatoes and garlic.
9. 9
   Cook, stirring frequently for 5 minutes, or until the tomatoes are warmed through.
10. 10
    Add the basil and stir until combined.
11. 11
    Remove from the heat and stir in the hot pasta.
12. 12
    Season with salt and pepper, stir in the mozzarella cheese, and serve immediately.
13. 13
    Fresh mozzarella cheese is delicious, but it can also be expensive.
14. 14
    If your budget is tight, use shredded mozzarella cheese.
15. 15
    It costs about half as much as fresh mozzarella and your pasta will still taste great.
16. 16
    But, dont even think about using dried basil instead of fresh.
17. 17
    The fresh basil is what gives this dish its flavor, and the dried version would be a very poor substitute.