Basil Spaghetti with Cheesy Broiled Tomatoes

Yet again, another success from REAL SIMPLE. Michael and I made this for dinner tonight and it was incredibly yummy. Not only was it vegetarian, but incredibly easy. We felt like we were eating a gourmet meal at a fancy Italian restaurant, without the long wait and price-tag!

As with all REAL SIMPLE recipes that I've tried, I highly recommend this recipe for an easy and fast weeknight meal. Its light, garlic oil mixed with basil and pasta, then topped with some rather cheesy tomatoes is so good!

Basil Spaghetti with Cheesy Broiled Tomatoes

Ingredients:

12 ounces spaghetti

3 large beefsteak tomatoes, each cut into 4 thick slices

3 TBS olive oil, plus more for the baking sheet

salt and black pepper

8 ounces fresh mozzarella, grated

1/4 cup grated Parmesan, plus more, shaved, for serving

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper

3/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves, plus more for serving

Directions:

1. Heat broiler. Cook the pasta according to the package directions; drain and return it to the pot. 
2. Meanwhile, arrange the tomato slices in a single layer in a lightly oiled rimmed baking sheet. Season with 1/4 tsp. each salt and black pepper. Dividing evenly, sprinkle the slices with the mozzarella and Parmesan. Broil until the cheese is bubbly and golden, 3 to 5 minutes.
3. In a small saucepan, warm the oil with the garlic and red pepper over medium heat until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Add the garlic oil, basil, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. black pepper to the pasta and toss to combine. Serve topped with the tomatoes, additional basil, and shaved Parmesan.

Serves 4