This simple Tuscan style pasta dish has great flavor without a lot of sauce. It only has a few ingredients and comes together in minutes. You can use fresh or canned tomatoes and any kind of olives you have on hand but a good quality olive oil is a must and will go far in this recipe.

• Ingredients
• 1 pound pappardelle
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 cups tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 cup olives, sliced in half (kalamata, niçoise or manzanilla are all good choices)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese, shaved

Directions:

Place a large pot of salted water over high heat and bring to a rolling boil. Place the pasta into the pot and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente. Meanwhile, place the olive oil, garlic and red pepper flakes in a large saucepan and cook over a low heat for 5 minutes, being careful not to burn. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, olives and salt and pepper and cook for 5 minutes longer. Once the pasta a cooked, drain and return to the pot. Toss gently with the sauce and plate. Top with basil and parmesan cheese and serve.