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Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Penne with Marinated Bocconcini, Tomatoes and Basil

Simple and so very easy, there truly is no reason not to make this.  I found some marinated mozzarella balls, called Bocconcini on sale the other day and I couldn't pass them up.  I wanted to make a simple and light pasta dish because not only is it still in the low 100's here, but I'm working way too many hours and don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.  This was the perfect solution for those problems.  And, if you can't find marinated Bocconcini or can't find even regular Bocconici, you can substitute regular, fresh mozzarella - just cut it into small bite size chunks and let them soak in a little flavored olive oil if you like.  That would work just as well in this case.

Penne with Marinated Bocconcini, Tomatoes and Basil
Created by Jenn's Food Journey
Printable Recipe 
Ingredients:
10oz Penne pasta
1 cup Bocconcini marinated in olive oil, herbs and spices, quartered
2 Tablespoons olive oil from marinated Bocconcini
1 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
2 garlic cloves, blanched and finely minced
1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper
2 Tablespoon chopped fresh basil

Directions:
Cook pasta according to package directions.  Drain well.  Add the Bocconcini, olive oils, cherry tomatoes and garlic.  Toss to combine and season with salt and pepper.  Add the basil at the last moment and toss to combine.  Serve immediately.  Enjoy!

One Year Ago:  Smoked St. Louis Style Ribs
Two Years Ago:  Smokey Grilled Pork Chops
 

11 comments:

StephenC said...

Odd, but we haven't had pasta in quite a while. This looks great and is obviously very easy to put on the table. The wonder is, with the hours you're working, you're not under the table.

Cranberry Morning said...

If I were there, I would wash your mouth out with soap, Jenn! The words you use...that I've never heard of. LOL I'll have to check into this 'bocconcini' stuff. :-) You broaden my culinary horizons!

Pam said...

Simple food is the BEST food. It looks tasty Jenn.

Debbie said...

This looks really good and nice and simple to make. My kind of dish!

Erica said...

I make a similar dish once a week and it is delicious! Simple and full of flavor!

Chris said...

Don't hate me but we have had temps in the 40's last week (overnight, windows open, snuggling up a blanket...okay, you can hate me.)

This is a fantastic dish. Our local Food City carries the bocconcini so I'll have to try this.

Yenta Mary said...

I've been craving pasta all day, and this has only cemented my desire! That you made such a great meal from a sale item ... oh, you're a girl after my own heart!

Debra Hawkins said...

There you go again, teaching me all sorts of great things about the kitchen. Love this!

Unknown said...

Still in the low 100's!!! With Autumn kicking in here in the UK sometimes it amazes me that you and I live on the same planet!!! Still. The food unites us and this bowl of pasta will do nicely thank you. X

Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) said...

I've seen that mozzarella, I'll have to pick some up next time.

Candace said...

Oh, man does that ever look good!!