Tomato & Mascarpone Pasta

Ingredients: (Yields 2-3 servings)

1/2 box of spaghetti pasta

1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

1 c cherry tomatoes

1/3c fresh basil, chopped (save some for garnish)

1 clove of minced garlic

4oz mascarpone cheese

salt & pepper

2 Tbsp olive oil

1c of pasta water

optional: red pepper flakes

Garnish: fresh basil

1. Cook the pasta per the packaging instructions. Save a cups worth of pasta water.

2. In your dutch oven on medium-hi heat, add the olive oil, then tomatoes. Cook for about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and saute for 1 minute.

3. Add the pepper flakes if you choose to add a little kick (about 1/4 tsp). Add the tomato paste to toast it.

4. Turn the heat down to medium. Season with salt and pepper and add the mascarpone and half of the pasta water.

5. Once the tomatoes have started to break down, add the cooked pasta and basil. Remove from heat.

6. If the pasta does not taste completely cooked or if the sauce is too thick for your liking, you can add the remaining pasts water 1 tablespoon at a time until you get the consistency you are looking for.

7. Garnish with fresh basil.