Checca Sauce

Oh Giada...Master of Simplicity. I uncovered this recipe and randomly tried it. Holy Moly! Who would have thought that such common ingredients lightly pulsed together and tossed w/ hot pasta would we so so so so so delicious?!?!

I think what elevates this dish is the freshness. Fresh basil, fresh cherry tomatoes, fresh garlic...with the two cheeses added in and ever so slightly clinging to the hot pasta in one glorious mouthful.

I simply make this SUPER fast dish a meal by slicing cooked chicken and laying it on top. No laborious slicing and dicing. Also, I use penne instead of spaghetti b/c my kids can eat it easier:).




2 lbs cherry tomatoes
3 scallions (white and pale green parts only)
1 (1oz) piece of Parmesan cheese, coarsely chopped
3 garlic cloves
8 fresh basil leaves
4 Tbsp olive oil
4 oz fresh Mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2 inch cubes (I used the pre-shredded)
1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
(+ more to taste, if desired)

Food processor REQUIRED


Directions
In the bowl of a food processor, pulse the scallions, garlic, Parmesan, basil and oil. Add cherry tomatoes just until the tomatoes are coarsely chopped (do not puree).
(I throw in the pre-shredded mozzarella with all the other ingredients. If you get fresh just stir it in after pulsing everything else.

Add salt and pepper.

Toss the sauce immediately with your choice of freshly cooked pasta.