The Busy Gourmand

Pasta With Cherry Tomato Sauce

This is a very sweet sauce.  It takes almost no time to prepare. Although the recipe calls for dried oregano you might want to try some fresh basil when it is in season.

• 8 oz pasta cooked according to package directions
• 1 pound cherry tomatoes sliced in half
• 1/2 medium red onion, medium dice
• 3 cloves garlic, cut into thin slivers
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 oz fresh mozzarella, cut into small cubes
• kosher salt and black pepper

In a large sauté pan or dutch oven heat the oil over medium high heat.  Add the onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.  Add the slivers or garlic, the red pepper flakes and the bay leaves.  Sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.  Add the sliced cherry tomatoes and the oregano and sauté until the tomatoes begin to break down about 15 minutes.  Add the mozzarella and mix with whatever pasta you are using.

This makes about 2 entree size portions or 4 primi piatti.