Pasta with Garden Tomatoes, Garlic, and Herbs

If you are looking for something to create with all those ripe garden tomatoes (in my case, over-ripe tomatoes), look no further!  One of our family favorites, this sauce is made with fresh tomatoes, chopped garlic, and herbs.  It truly is good enough to drink, but we pour it over whole wheat penne and a side of steamed broccoli.  Delish!

Pasta with Garden Tomatoes, Garlic, and Herbs

Ingredients

• 3-4 strips bacon or ground italian sausage
• 1 Tablespoon safe butter
• 2 large cloves of garlic, chopped or sliced
• 3-4 medium tomatoes, chopped (we use whatever variety we have on hand)
• 1/2 cup torn or chiffanaded basil (again, we use whatever combination of herbs are ready in the garden, such as basil, rosemary, chives, oregano)
• Salt and pepper to taste
•  Pasta of your choice

Directions

• Pan fry bacon or sausage on medium heat until cooked thoroughly.  Drain oil off, but leave bacon in the pan.
• Melt 1 tablespoon safe butter in the pan with the bacon.
• Add the garlic.  When garlic softens, add chopped tomatoes.
• Add basil.  Squash down tomatoes with a spoon or potato masher, lower heat.
• Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste
• Cook the pasta
• Drop some more butter onto the pasta, mix to coat
• Top with Sauce

SUGGESTIONS: 

*Feta Cheese is so yummy on top (and easy to add for the dairy-loving family members)!

*For a vegan version, eliminate bacon and substitute with a can of canneloni beans or similar.

*Drizzle pasta with balsamic vinegar.