Penne, Tomato, and Mozzarella Salad

Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Servings: 6
Yield: 6 servings

Description

A quick, easy pasta salad recipe with the bright, fresh flavors of tomato and basil. Toss hot pasta with garlic, scallions, cheese, olives, and more.

Ingredients

1 (12 ounce) package penne pasta
1/4 cup olive oil
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes
salt and pepper to taste
5 ounces mozzarella cheese, diced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 ounces fresh basil
12 large black olives, halved

Directions

1 Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2 Heat olive oil in a small saucepan. Add green onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 or 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Add pasta, tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Cook over low heat to warm through.
3 Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Coarsely tear basil leaves in halves or thirds; add to pasta with olives and serve immediately.