couldn't possibly choose a favorite pasta dish -- there are too many that I love....
but now that we're reaching the end of summer, this is what I've been enjoying the last few months; it's really simple and is about nothing more than celebrating top quality tomatoes:
peel and seed some Italian plum tomatoes -- I have San Marzanos growing in my garden and think they're the best
heat a skillet and melt some butter with some olive oil
when the butter is foaming, dump the chopped tomatos in and turn the heat to as low as your stove allows...
it could take up to half an hour for the tomatoes to 'melt,' so now's a good time to pour yourself a glass of wine...a young pinot noir, something light and fruity
while you're waiting for the tomatoes to break down, chop up some garlic, some basil, and grate some parmesan
get the water boiling for the pasta
once you see the tomatoes actually breaking down, you're about 15 minutes from done
put the pasta in the boiling water, the linguine I usually use takes about 10-12 minutes for al dente
stir the garlic and basil into the tomatoes
when the pasta's finished, drain it in a colander and then put it back in the empty saucepan it boiled in...turned the heat to high and shake it like crazy so all the water evaporates
now throw it in the skillet with the sauce, salt and pepper to taste, and give it a good stir so that the pasta is thoroughly coated; after 1 or 2 minutes it's ready to be plated
sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan on top and enjoy!
...But I can't figure out which way to go with it. I have to admit to being a fool for a good lasagna..but I think that would be a bit too much work. So whats your favorite pasta dish? Anyone have an interesting variation worth trying? 
