Thursday, April 14, 2011

Thursday's Eats ~ Basil Pasta Shells


Basil Pasta Shells

2 ½ c uncooked medium shell pasta (or any type of small pasta)
2 tsp olive oil
15 oz diced tomatoes
4 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped
¼ c minced fresh basil or 1 ½ tsp dried basil
½ tsp coarsely ground pepper
¾ c shredded mozzarella cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions. In a large skillet, sauté oil, tomatoes, cooked bacon, basil, and pepper; cook and stir for 5 minutes. Rinse and drain pasta; stir into tomato mixture. Add half of the cheese. Transfer to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered at 375* for 8-10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Serves 4
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This is one of the recipes I reach for when I'm not feeling too creative, because I typically have all of the ingredients on hand.  Also, because of the small addition of bacon - Caleb typically doesn't complain about the lack of meat in this meal. :)

If I'm really in a hurry, I skip the baking part - just return pasta to the pan, stir in the tomato mixture and add all of the cheese.  Heat until cheese is melted.

This recipe tastes great, uses ingredients on hand, and is easy!


TastyTuesday200pix What are your Easter Meal Ideas?

2 comments:

  1. i'm responding to your comment on my blog at amommysjoy.blogspot.com: the consistency is much like the bagels you would get at a gourmet bakery. they are chewy and soft. the whole grain ones are a little more stiff but they are also wonderful, actually they are my favorite.

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