Caprese Pasta with Italian Sausage

Step 1

Fill a large pot with four quarts of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Add at least one tablespoon of salt. Once the water comes to a boil, add the pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sausage and tomatoes. Heat a 10" skillet over medium high heat. Add sausage and saute, stirring occasionally, until cooked through, 7-9 minutes. Add the whole cherry tomatoes and saute, stirring continuously, until cracks begin to appear in the skins, about 3 minutes. Remove the sausage and tomatoes from heat and set aside.

Step 3

Place two cups of basil into the bowl of a food processor and add the garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Flip the motor on and puree into a sauce.

Step 4

Toss the cooked pasta with the basil sauce, then add the fresh mozzarella. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked Italian sausage and burst tomatoes to the pasta bowl, then top with the reserved half cup of basil. Gently toss the ingredients together. Divide the pasta evenly between four bowls and serve immediately.