This Zesty Italian Pasta is a quick, easy-to-make dish bursting with a flavorful tang from the Italian dressing and sweet cherry tomatoes. Together they create a delectably chunky sauce that beautifully coats the pasta. To finish things off, we throw in some creamy mozzarella and fresh basil ribbons to provide even more flavor and a great textural contrast.
PASTA: In a very large pot, bring 12 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, add 1 tbsp of fine sea salt. Return the water to a boil, then add the angel hair pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta once cooked, but do not rinse.
START SAUCE: While the pasta is coming to a boil, heat the olive oil in a large skillet (big enough to hold pasta later on!) over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic, stirring until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
DEVELOP SAUCE: Add the halved cherry tomatoes, ½ cup of the Italian dressing, and salt and pepper to taste (½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper recommended). Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
FINISH SAUCE: As the tomatoes soften, smash them with the back of a wooden spoon. Continue cooking for 2-3 more minutes until the mixture forms a chunky sauce.
COMBINE AND FINISH: Transfer the drained pasta to the skillet. Add the remaining ¼ cup of dressing and toss to coat the pasta evenly. Stir in the fresh basil ribbons and mozzarella cheese. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
ENJOY: Optionally, add red pepper flakes, either to the skillet or individually on plates. Plate the pasta and use a microplane to grate fresh Parmesan cheese over each serving. Best enjoyed immediately.
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Notes
Note 1:KraftZesty® Italian Dressing: This particular brand of extra-flavorful Italian salad dressing brings tanginess and zest to the dish. I highly recommend this brand, since the quality of the dressing will directly affect the overall flavor of the pasta. (This guide may help you decide what brand to use!) Fat-free Italian dressing can be used.