Balsamic Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Mozzarella

Recipe by Leslie

1 lb. pasta of your choice (penne, farfalle, etc.)
1 can petite diced tomatoes
6-7 leaves fresh basil, chopped
2 shallots, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 T. olive oil
salt and pepper
fresh mozzarella
2-3 T. balsamic vinegar

Set large pot of salted water to boil. While it heats, add olive oil to large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add shallots and garlic. Saute 1-2 minutes, while stirring. Then add tomatoes, salt and pepper to taste. Let simmer while pasta cooks. Add balsamic vinegar toward the end of cooking and turn off heat.

Add pasta to sauce. Stir in mozzarella and basil. Combine with large spoons and serve.

This is also a good dish to sneak veggies into such as spinach, broccoli, asparagus, or peas.