What's for Dinner?

My dear friend usually asks "What are you fixing for dinner".  Tonight, since he can't come over I will tell what's for dinner and maybe he can make it at his house.  You can, too.  Lots of freshly cracked black pepper is good in this dish.  Don't be a chump, read the directions completely before making this meal.

Angel Hair 

with Asparagus (or green beans)

Mozzarella

Tomatoes and

Fresh Basil (optional) and lot's of black pepper

Ingredients

1 pound fresh asparagus (or same wt. in canned french cut green beans)

4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1/4 tsp pepper, or more to taste

1 T. Olive Oil

6 med. plum (Roma) tomatoes, seeded and chopped, comes to approx. 21/4 C.

1/4 cup dry white wine* or pasta water, *more for drinking while you cook

1/4 tsp. salt

1 T. butter

1 9-oz package refrigerated angel hair pasta

1/4 C. shredded fresh basil

1  15oz pkg mozzarella cheese (brick), sliced into cubes

Time: start to finish - 20 minutes

Directions

1. Snap off and discard woody stem part of asparagus.  Remove the tips and set aside.  Bias-slice the remaining portions into 1- to 1 1/2 inch pieces; set aside.

2.  In a large skillet, cook and stir garlic and pepper in hot oil over medium heat for 1 minute  before adding the tomatoes; cook 2 minutes more, stirring often. Add the asparagus pieces or green beans, wine(or water) and salt (only if using asparagus) to the skillet.  Cook, uncovered 3 minutes,  add the asparagus tips, cook, uncovered 1 minute more.

3. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions.  Drain pasta; return to pan.  Add mozzarella and asparagus mixture and basil, if using, tossing to coat.

Drink wine.  Serves 3.