tuscan pasta with tomato-basil cream*

Today has been the best weather of the year, and I am tellin you my spirits are high! This has been the best winter/spring that I have ever experienced and probably will ever experience. I have already told the husband that we are being more exciting people this upcoming summer, because last summer was a total bummer. We are going to go to some batting cages, to St. George for some fun laying out sessions and maybe even some pool swimming, and we are going to go camping for 1 night. Camping for 1 night has been a goal of mine for 5 years now, so maybe 5 is my lucky number. Landon has still yet to go camping in his whole entire life.

*Notice I am saying ONE night. I don't really like camping-like at all. I just want to eat a legit s'more :).

We have already kicked off our quest for a fun summer today (I know, it's still spring, but it's like 80 outside!). My best friend is moving to San Diego, and so we attended her going away party up the canyon and had a BBQ. Although I'm totally bummed that she is leaving me for the beautiful state of California, I am so happy that we could have a fun get-together with some yummy food, great weather, and the best company! Which reminds me, summer parties are coming up, so bring this broccoli salad in tow. I did!

This pasta is on my not-so-new-anymore menus, and it is so delish! It is in the running for being a parent conference meal, so it must be a big deal :). I am obsessed with pasta sauces that are half Alfredo/half marinara, and this sauce reminds me of that only I like it so much more. As you probably are aware, I am infatuated with fresh basil, and this sauce has plenty of that as well as lots of other yummy and fabulous ingredients.

I am going to post the recipe as it was written on the website, however I did make some minor adjustments. Basically instead of buying sun-dried tomato Alfredo sauce, we made our own homemade Alfredo sauce and pureed in some sun-dried tomatoes. If you decide to do the same, make sure that you buy the sun-dried tomatoes that are in a jar in oil, not the dehydrated-looking kind. I would suggest making this adjustment because homemade is always better than store bought, and really doesn't take that much more time. But I won't hold it against you if you take the easy way out :). Oh, and we didn't use any white wine. So basically I did everything different but add fresh tomatoes, some basil and some Parmesan cheese. Hmmm...I think I am going to stop typing now..

Tuscan Pasta with Tomato-Basil Cream
from MyRecipes.com

1 (20-oz.) package refrigerated four-cheese ravioli 
1 (16-oz.) jar sun-dried tomato Alfredo sauce 
2 tablespoons white wine 
2 medium-size fresh tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil 
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese 
Garnish: fresh basil strips

Prepare pasta according to package directions.

Meanwhile, pour Alfredo sauce into a medium saucepan. Pour wine into sauce jar; cover tightly, and shake well. Stir wine mixture into saucepan. Stir in chopped tomatoes and 1/2 cup chopped basil, and cook over medium-low heat 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Toss with pasta, and top evenly with 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish, if desired.

-alyssa*