Spicy Caprese Pasta
 
Ingredients
  • 1 lb. cavatappi or other curly pasta
  • 3 TB extra-virgin olive oil
  • 5-6 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¾ tsp. red pepper flakes
  • 1½ pints cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 2 balls fresh mozzarella, diced
  • 1 oz basil leaves, cut into ribbons
Instructions
  1. Cook the cavatappi according to the package directions.
  2. Toward the end of the cooking time for the cavatappi, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan.
  3. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes and sauté over low heat just until the garlic is fragrant, but not browned, about two minutes. Remove from heat.
  4. When the pasta is cooked to your liking, drain it and immediately add the hot pasta to the skillet with the garlic and toss to coat the pasta with oil.
  5. Pour the pasta and garlic mixture into a large serving bowl and allow the pasta to cool.
  6. Add the halved tomatoes, mozzarella and basil to the pasta in the bowl and toss to combine. Season well with salt and pepper.
  7. Serve room temperature.
Recipe by West of the Loop at https://www.westoftheloop.com/2014/06/18/summer-cooking-spicy-caprese-pasta/