Ziti with Fresh Tomatoes and Mozzarella

As I was watching the Food Network a few years ago, I saw a recipe from Giada De Laurentiis for a pasta dish with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. I then decided to make this at home, and it became a household favorite. I love this dish because it is so fresh and easy to make. It is like a caprese salad but served with pasta. In the summer this is such a nice easy dinner to make for your family and friends. I hope you enjoy this recipe!

Ingredients:

1 pint container of cherry tomatoes

5 oz mozzarella balls

Ziti (1/4 pound per person) 

1/2 cup olive oil

1-2 garlic cloves (depending on your taste)

Basil (to garnish) 

First half the tomatoes the mozzarella balls, and chop the garlic. 

Then cook the ziti as directed on the box.

In a pan cook the garlic in about 1/2 the olive oil for 30 seconds, then add the tomatoes. Let the tomatoes cook for about a minute, then using a fork press them lightly with a fork until the juice comes out. 

After all the juice is out of the tomatoes add pasta and stir until combined. Next add the mozzarella and then turn off the heat. Put the pasta into a bowl and garnish with the basil. 

Enjoy!