Pasta with Fresh Basil, Tomatoes, and Mozzarella

This is one of my all time favorite summer meals - I can't believe I haven't blogged about it yet. I'm not one to typically have lots of repeats for dinner. Eric and I both like variety and it's fun for me to try new things, but I make this probably twice a month during peak tomato season. It's so easy and so full of fabulous fresh flavors. I am literally counting the days till I can use my very own fresh garden tomatoes. We're almost there!

I like to eat meatless once in a while and this recipe is a great way to do that. Costco has the best price hands down on fresh mozzarella. I grab a package every time I'm there to have on hand for this recipe and making pizza.

If this dish alone doesn't fill you up, enjoy it with a green salad and garlic bread on the side. Or, plan something delicious for dessert, like this dark chocolate gelato I just wrote about on Craft.

Pasta with Fresh Basil, Tomatoes, and Mozzarella

adapted from my MOMS Club Cookbook

• 1 Tbs olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 7-8 Roma tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 1 Tbs balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• large handful of fresh basil, sliced thin
• 1 c fresh mozzarella, cubed
• 1 lb. your choice pasta, cooked al dente

Saute onions in olive oil until golden and tender, about 6 minutes. Add garlic and saute 1 minute more. Deglaze pan with balsamic vinegar. Add tomatoes, sauteing for 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Turn heat to low. Toss tomatoes with basil and and pasta. Stir for 1-2 minutes so the juices can coat the pasta. Turn the heat off and stir in the mozzarella. You want to warm the mozzarella, not melt it. Serve immediately.