Pasta with Tomatoes, Basil & Three Cheeses

By Taraespo

From La Bella Vita Blog

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 large garlic cloves, diced
• 1 pint grape/cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 10 large basil leaves, chopped
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Regiano cheese
• Freshly grated Asiago cheese (about 2 Tbsp.)
• Freshly grated Fontina cheese (about 1 Tbsp.)
• 1 lb. thin spaghettini OR penne pasta
• salt & pepper to taste

Preparation

Step 1

In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and saute the garlic until golden brown....do not burn.
Add the slice tomatoes and the red pepper flakes and cook for about 8 - 10 minutes.
In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the pasta until "al dente". Strain and transfer to the pan with the tomato mixture. Toss until completely coated.
Add the basil and the cheese to pasta/tomato mixture. Just cook for a few more minutes until the basil is wilted and the cheese is somewhat melted/soft.
Salt & pepper to taste.

Serve with extra grated cheese on the side, some wonderfully baked garlic bread and a fresh salad on the side. And that's a great Italian summer meal!