Kirk's Cooking and Cocktails

1 Wash and dry your cherry tomatoes, and then slice them in half.
2 On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, add the cherry tomatoes and garlic
3 Drizzle on 1 Tbsp. oil and 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar, then season well with salt and pepper.
4 Give everything a quick toss and then spread evenly in a single layer.
5 Bake at 400° for 15-20 minutes.
6 In the meantime, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta to al dente.
7 In a high-rimmed pan, cook the sausage if you are adding it (you can also add other protein), and then remove.
8 Heat 2 Tbsp. butter and 2 Tbsp. oil, and add the red pepper flakes
9 When the tomatoes are done, add the melted butter, and add back in the cooked protein.
10 Toss in the noodles, until well coated (add a little pasta water if needed!)
11 Sprinkle on the Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped basil.
12 Enjoy