Margherita Penne

By bakeaholic

This yummy pasta is based on the classic pizza margherita, which is topped with tomato sauce, cheese and fresh basil.

Ingredients

• 375 g. penne pasta
• 2 tbsp. butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 12 mini Bocconcini
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced

Preparation

Step 1

1. In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook pasta for about 11 minutes or until al dente, or according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, in a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic, thyme, salt and hot pepper flakes. Cook 1 minute. Sprinkle with flour; cook, whisking for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk. Bring to a boil and reduce heat. Whisk for 3 to 5 minutes or until smooth and thickened. Stir in tomatoes and Parmesan.
3. Drain pasta and return to pot. Pour in sauce; toss, stirring 1 to 2 minutes over medium heat to coat pasta. Stir in Bocconcini, basil and salt to taste, if needed.