Aunt Val's Tomato-Basil & Goat Cheese Pasta

This pasta dish has become a staple in our house!  This super-fast pasta makes a perfect side to a main course of meat, poultry, or fish.  It also makes great lunch leftovers - I like to add pieces of chicken which really make it a meal in itself!  

Serves 4

Preparation Time:  10 minutes

Cook Time:  9 minutes, or as directed on Pasta Box

Ingredients:

1 cup chopped fresh basil, plus some for garnish 

2 1/2 cups diced tomatoes

1/2  cup chopped white onion 

1 Tbsp minced garlic

1/4 cup olive oil

4 oz goat cheese

Salt & Pepper (to taste)

4 cups uncooked penne pasta

Directions:

1.  Combine first 5 ingredients in large bowl:  Basil, tomatoes, onion, garlic, & olive oil.  Add salt & pepper (to taste).  Allow mixture to sit for for 10 minutes to 1 hour (to enhance the flavor).

2.  Begin cooking penne pasta, as directed on box.  Drain thoroughly and add (while still hot) to tomato-basil mixture, mixing briefly.  Add goat cheese at once and toss until pasta is coated with goat-cheese-tomato-basil sauce!  Add salt & pepper again, to taste.   Garnish with leftover basil.

Enjoy!