I improvised this tortellini with sun-dried tomato pesto recipe when the boyfriend and I had a dinner party. It was so easy but very well-received.

Measurements are approximate. I don't ever measure.

INGREDIENTS -

1 bag frozen tortellini (I used meat, but use whichever kind you prefer)
1 large bunch basil
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
2 cloves garlic
olive oil
1/2 cup pine nuts (if you prefer, roast them first in a dry skillet or in the oven until they're golden brown)
1/2 cup parmagiano-reggiano cheese
1/2 stick of butter
1 cup of grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup of feta cheese, crumbled
salt and pepper, to taste

PREPARATION -

Cook the tortellini in a large pot of boiling water according to the package directions
While it is cooking, but the basil, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, pine nuts, parmagiano-reggiano, salt, pepper, and butter in a food processor. Stream the olive oil in while the food processor mixes the ingredients into a thin paste.
Put a few swirls of olive oil into a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the grape tomatoes until they are just softened.
Add the pesto to the skillet and cook over low heat.
When the tortellini are done, drain and add the tortellini to the skillet. Toss with the pesto and tomatoes
Crumble the feta cheese into the skillet and cook for a few more minutes, until the feta is softened but not completely melted.

I served this with a Caprese salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette and Prosciutto


INGREDIENTS -

4 roma tomatoes, or, if you can find them, heirloom tomatoes (4 will serve 4 people, if you have less or more diners, use 1 per person)
large chunk of fresh mozarella cheese, sliced
basil leaves
1/4 lb thinly sliced prosciutto
Balsamic Vinaigrette (I like Maple Grove Farms Fat Free)
salt and pepper to taste

PREPARATION -

Arrange the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves however you like on a plate
Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette on top, and then top with sliced prosciutto

And I also made my friend Kristin's super easy cheesy garlic bread

INGREDIENTS -

1 loaf fresh Italian bread
1 stick butter
garlic powder
grated Mozzarella cheese

PREPARATION -

Preheat the broiler on high
Melt the butter in a shallow dish in the microwave
Slice the garlic bread into 1 - 1 1/2 inch slices
When the butter is melted, add garlic powder (as much or as little as you like) and stir to mix
Dip both sides of the bread slices into the garlic butter to coat, and put on a cookie sheet
Cover the tops of each slice with mozzarella cheese
Put in the broiler for just a minute or two, until the cheese begins to brown
MAKE SURE YOU KEEP AN EYE ON IT! It will brown very quickly!