Taste of Summer

I like summer. The sun shining in the windows, the flowers growing in the backyard, and the kids running and playing outside all make up the fun days of the coming months. But one of my favorite parts of summer is the food. Who doesn't like watermelon, ice cream, hamburgers on the grill, and fresh salads eaten on the patio? I thought I'd share with you one of my favorite summer recipes. Actually, it's just as easy to make this simple pasta all year round, but whether there's snow or sunshine, this dish always tastes like summer to me!


Pasta with Tomatoes

1 pound pasta (almost any kind will work, especially penne or spaghetti)
2 Tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced or passed through a garlic press
2 cans diced tomatoes with their juice
salt and pepper
fresh chopped basil, optional

Cook pasta according to package. While the pasta is cooking, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic (use more or less, according to your family's taste) and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the cans of tomatoes (have the cans opened and ready so the garlic doesn't burn!). Continue to cook over medium-high heat to reduce some of the tomato liquid. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix in part of the basil, if using, in the final moments of cooking. This tomato mixture should be ready just about the time the pasta is finished cooking.

When the pasta is ready, drain it and toss with the tomato mixture. Sprinkle with some more fresh basil and serve with grated parmesan.

For more great recipe ideas, head on over to Life as Mom.

Photo credit: rezamarvashti