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Christmas Eve Pasta with Grape Tomatoes and Mozzarella

Mini mozzarella balls and grape tomatoes are the “ornaments” in this quick and easy holiday pasta—a fast and festive option for this busy season.

Serves 6
Ready in 15 mins
Prep time 6 mins
Cooking time 9 mins
580 calories per serving

Ingredients

> 1 lb linguine
> 2 tbsp olive oil
> 2 cloves garlic, minced
> 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
> 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
> 1 cup prepared pesto
> 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
> 6 oz fresh mozzarella pearls (ciliegene), drained

Steps

1
Cook the linguine according to package directions, reserving 1 cup cooking liquid before draining pasta.
2
Meanwhile, in a 12-inch skillet, heat the oil on medium-high. Add the garlic, tomatoes, and crushed red pepper, if using. Season with salt and pepper. Cook 4–5 min., stirring often, until tomatoes soften and begin to burst. Remove from heat.
3
To skillet, add linguine, pesto, and ¼ cup cooking liquid. Stir to form a sauce. Add more pasta water, 2 tbsp at a time, to thin sauce and coat pasta. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer pasta to a large serving bowl. Add basil and mozzarella pearls; toss to combine and serve.

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