It’s sad but true, my love affair with pasta… I went to Italy in 07′ and 08′ with my sister, Camey. The history and culture was so amazing to experience, especially the food! The food was unbelievably good! And thus began my love affair…
Venice 2008
I ran into this recipe from a friends husband who lived in Italy for a couple of years. It’s called Poor Mans’ Pasta because in Italy these ingredients are easily accessible foods that any “poor man” can afford. I love the simple blend of flavors. This is my daughter Katies favorite meal.
Poor Mans’ Pasta
1 package penne pasta- cooked tender firm (I use whole grain or whole wheat pasta) strain and rinse
Combine and let marinate while pasta cooks :
1/4 C olive oil
1 C fresh basil leaves-thinly sliced
5-6 roma tomatoes- chopped or 3 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
Sea salt and pepper to taste
1 package fresh mozzarella- cubed
Add pasta and motz to the combined ingredients and serve
*Some of my family like to add balsamic vinegar to theirs but I take it as is 
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| Marinate Olive Oil, Basil, Tomatoes |
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| Fresh mozzarella, cubed |
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| Add in motz and penne |
I will try to sprinkle in my pasta recipes so as not to over whelm you! I suppose if your going to have a love affair… pasta is a pretty safe bet!
Here are some other photos from our trips…
This sounds so yummy. I am so happy you are continuing Louise's great tradition. I had many Sunday dinners at your grandma's table. Great lady. You are making her proud!
Thank You Aunt Gayle… That means so much to me, I can't even tell you, I am teary!
I make a similar pasta with no cheese but a fresh raw tomato sauce. The pasta absorbs a bit. Yummy!
Thank you so much for all your basil posts! I just found you today and am so grateful for all the ways to use my basil/pesto. I have grown it for years because I love it with tomato and mozzarella cheese, but most of it goes to waste every year as I simply didn’t know what to do with it. Can I dry it for future use without a dehydrator? Thanks so much! Hugs!
Hi Lynette… I’m so glad you found my site! I love Basil too and we always have tonz of it growing by the end of the season! I found this article that talks about microwave dehydrating herbs and I may give it a try this year. Organic Gardening I hope that links ok?? Have fun with these recipes and I’m sure I’ll be posting some additional ones soon! xoxoxo Ruthie