Creamy Tomato Pasta Salad

Inspired by salad caprese-- a pasta salad for tomato sauce lovers.

1 pound penne, macaroni or farfalle pasta
1 and 1/2 cups simple tomato sauce (homemade is best, or good quality store bought)
1/2 cup mayonnaise (regular or reduced fat)
1 bunch basil, chopped
4 green onions, sliced thin
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Optional additions: chopped sun dried tomatoes, sliced cherry tomatoes, cubed mozzarella, crumbled blue cheese

1) Start a huge pot of salted water on to boil. Once boiling, place the pasta in to cook and make the sauce. Combine the rest of the ingredients in a large serving bowl. Set aside.

2) When the pasta is cooked just al dente, drain, rinse under cold water until completely cool, drain again very well. Toss into the bowl with the sauce and mix well. It may seem soupy at this point, but as the salad chills it will absorb much of the sauce. Stash in the fridge for at least 1 hour but up to 8 hours.

Makes 8-12 side dishes