Quick Tomato-Basil Pasta With Fresh Mozzarella

I don't know about you, ,but as soon as spring rolls around I start wanting more veggies, and fresher, lighter foods. This meal was just that. A light, flavorful marinara sauce with fresh basil and the ultimate---fresh mozzarella. Seriously, don't substitute it with regular mozzarella, it just won't be the same. The bonus is, this meal is also fast and comes together in about 30 minutes.

Quick Tomato-Basil Pasta with Fresh Mozzarella

Cook''s Country

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic , minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes
5 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh basil
1/4 teaspoon sugar
Table salt
1 fusilli pasta
8 ounces fresh mini mozzarella balls , drained and cut in half ( I just sliced up a brick of fresh mozzarella because it was way cheaper)
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1. Bring 4 quarts water to boil in large pot. 2. Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons oil, garlic, and pepper flakes in medium saucepan over medium heat until fragrant but not brown, about 2 minutes. Stir in crushed and diced tomatoes, bring to simmer, and cook until slightly thickened, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in 3 tablespoons basil, sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. 3. Add 1 tablespoon salt and pasta to boiling water. Cook until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup cooking water, drain pasta, and transfer back to pot. Stir in sauce and remaining tablespoon oil, and cook over medium heat until heated through (adding reserved water if pasta seems dry), about 1 minute. Stir in mozzarella and season with salt. Serve, sprinkling with remaining 2 tablespoons basil and Parmesan. Serves 4