Heaven in Your Mouth (AKA Rustic Pasta)

I first had a pasta similar to this at a restaurant.  I loved it so much I came home and tried to recreate it.  We have this at least once a month and it's such a hit that Sweet Hubby always says I never make enough!  It's SO easy, but unfortunately, I don't have exact amounts...hopefully you'll be able to recreate it at home.  This time I made the dreaded mistake of forgetting to buy feta cheese.  Don't forget this ingredient!  It's so much betta with feta!  :)  You can also add sun dried tomatoes...yum!  If you're a total glutton for punishment, serve this alongside bruschetta.

Rustic Pasta

Thin spaghetti or fettuccine noodles

3-4 cloves minced garlic

Olive oil

Fresh tomatoes, roughly chopped

1 jar (12 oz.) roasted red peppers

2 handfuls fresh basil, roughly chopped

1 container feta cheese

Pine Nuts

Parmesan Cheese

Start water to boil for pasta.  While the pasta cooks, roughly chop your tomatoes, roasted red peppers and basil.  Set basil aside. (I used 6 campari tomatoes, but you can use whatever kind you like.  I've used my garden tomatoes and cherry tomatoes before.)  In a large skillet, saute minced garlic in olive oil.  Add tomatoes and peppers and cover.  Simmer on low-medium heat for 10-15 minutes or until cooked down slightly.  The tomatoes should still hold their shape.  In a large bowl, toss cooked and drained pasta with tomato mixture, basil and feta cheese.  Top each serving of pasta with pine nuts and Parmesan cheese.  Buon appetito!

Edited to add:  You can also top this with strips of grilled chicken if you like.  We have done this before and it really helps to fill it out as a full meal.

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