Spectacular Sides: Vegetable & Basil Pasta Salad

I love this salad -- so light & refreshing.  You can serve it warm or chilled, depending upon your preference. 

Vegetable & Pasta Salad

Ingredients:
6 oz uncooked pasta (I used linguine in the picture above)
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 1/2 cup broccoli
1-2 med. carrots, shredded
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil, or 1 tsp dried basil
1 glove garlic, minced
6 cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced in half
Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Directions:
Cook pasta according to package directions; drain & set aside.  Meanwhile, melt butter or margarine in large skillet.  Add remaining ingredients except tomatoes and Parmesan.  Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 4-6 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender.  Add tomatoes; continue cooking an additional 2-3 minutes.  Stir in pasta until heated through.  Stir in some grated Parmesan, if desired.