What? A recipe from me?

For those of you who don't know me well, the running joke is that if I ever got married, my husband would starve.  I do not like to cook.  Why should I be ashamed of that?  It is what it is.  I do try my best though to make healthy, fresh dishes for my family- most of the time.  This is a recipe I found in Real Simple, and we've had it a few times now.  It is so easy to prepare, and so tasty, that I thought I would share.  Franz asks for this once a week now, and I'm happy to oblige. 

Basil Spaghetti with Cheesy Broiled Tomatoes

via

Ingredients:

12 ounces Spaghetti

3 Large Beefsteak tomatoes (Better if they're firm)

3 Tbs Olive Oil, plus a little more for the baking sheet (or broiler pan)

Salt (I like to use Sea Salt) and Black Pepper

8 oz. Fresh grated mozarella

1/4 C grated parmesan

2 Cloves Garlic

1/4 to 1/2 Tsp Crushed Red Pepper

3/4 C fresh torn basil leaves

Directions:
1.  Heat broiler. Cook the pasta according to the package directions; drain and return it to the pot.

2.  Meanwhile, arrange the tomato slices in a single layer on a lightly oiled rimmed baking sheet. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Dividing evenly, sprinkle the slices with the mozzarella and Parmesan (mix cheeses together in a bowl first). Broil until the cheese is bubbly and golden, 3 to 5 minutes.

3.In a small saucepan, warm the oil with the garlic and red pepper over medium heat until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.

4.Add the garlic oil, basil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to the pasta and toss to combine. Serve topped with the tomatoes, additional basil, and shaved Parmesan.

Yummy!  I've adapted the recipe to include more garlic (about 4 cloves), 4 tbs of olive oil, and we find that a pinch more than 1/4 tsp is just right for the crushed red pepper.  I don't use a full 12 ounces (or one package) of spaghetti.  A little more than 1/2 of the package is just right for the two of us.  Firmer tomatoes hold up better in the broiler and don't become as soggy.

What are you having for dinner tonight?