Spicy Rotini Caprese

Spicy Rotini Caprese
6  1.5 cup servings

• 1 (16 oz) package of whole wheat rotini
• 2.5 tsp of salt-divided
• 2 tbsp of olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves-minced
• 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper
• 2 pints of grape tomatoes
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella - cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips
• 1/4 tsp of cracked black pepper

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to directions, adding salt to water
2. While pasta cooks, heat oil in a nonstick skillet on medium heat
3. Reduce heat to low, add garlic and red pepper, saute 1 minute.  Add tomato, increase heat to medium and saute 2 minutes.
4. Drain pasta reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
5. Add pasta to tomatoes.
6. Stir in mozzarella, basil, remaining 1/2 tsp of salt and black pepper.
7. Add desired amount of reserved pasta water to pasta mixture.
8. Toss well

This was basically an Italian Mac & Cheese.  Who doesn't like Mac & Cheese? This was a good use of my home grown tomatoes and basil.  It may be a bit spicy for the kids.  I loved it.  You could add diced chicken breasts & a bell pepper for a complete super easy, quick meal.