Recipe(tried): Pasta Rustica with Smoked Mozzarella

Pasta Rustica with Smoked Mozzarella
Servings: 6

1 (1 lb) package tortellini, cheese-filled
2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 medium onion, halved lengthwise, thinly sliced crosswise
1 pound cherry tomatoes, halved
3 garlic cloves, minced
2/3 cup vermouth
1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 pound smoked mozzarella, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

Cook tortellini in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain well.

Meanwhile, heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion; increase heat to high and saut until onion is beginning to brown, about 6 minutes. Add tomatoes; saut 3 minutes. Stir in garlic; cook 2 minutes. Add vermouth, then parsley, basil, and oregano. Cook 4 minutes, stirring often.

Add cooked tortellini; toss over medium heat until sauce coats pasta. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese. Season pasta to taste with salt and pepper and serve.

Source: Adapted from Bon App tit February 2004

NOTES : Regular mozzarella can be substituted for the smoked variety in this quick and easy dish.

Excellent and rather easy to put together. My changes:
I added 1 pound of Italian turkey sausage, used 1 pack of fresh tortellini, only used half an onion, 3 cloves of garlic, omitted the tomatoes and olives, and used dried herbs. The original recipe calls for 6 Tablespoons of oil, and I used less than 3. When using the sausage, brown with onion; add garlic after about 5 minutes and proceed to follow the rest of the recipe, adding the oil as needed.