Pasta with tomato and Basil

A very basic Pasta preparation that is very italian and easy to make at home. Make Variation by adding little vegetables and chilly and you are good to go as new pasta dish.

Preparation Time: 20 min                         Cooking Time: 12 min

Serves: 4 Servings

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Penne Pasta


• ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)


• 2 cloves Garlic (crushed)


• ¼ cup Fresh Basil Leaves (shredded)


• 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes (halved)


• ½ tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar


• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil


• Salt and Pepper As per taste

Method:

1. Combine tomatoes, basil, balsamic vinegar, crushed garlic, parmesan cheese and olive oil in a bowl and toss well. Let it sit at room temperature until pasta is cooked.


2. Boil 4 -5 cups of water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt and penne pasta in it. Cook them for around 10 – 12 minutes or until al dente (firm but not hard).


3. Drain the pasta, run them through cold water and mix with prepared tomato mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix well.


4. Tomato Basil Pasta Salad is ready. Serve it immediately.


5. Serve Tomato Basil Pasta Salad with bread or your choice. Serve it as a side dish for meat, chicken and fish.

Tips and Variations:

• You can also use bow tie pasta or fusilli pasta to make this salad.