Gemelli with Creamy Red Pepper Sauce and Fresh Mozzarella

• FAST
• HEALTHY
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. 3/4 pound gemelli
2. 2 whole roasted red peppers from the deli counter (6 ounces)
3. 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4. 2 oil-packed sun-dried tomato halves, drained
5. 1 tablespoon tomato paste
6. 1 garlic clove
7. 9 large basil leaves
8. Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
9. 1/2 pound salted fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch dice

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gemelli and cook until al dente. Drain the gemelli.
2. Meanwhile, in a blender, puree the roasted red peppers with the olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic and 3 basil leaves until smooth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper.
3. Scrape the sauce into a large bowl and toss with the pasta until well coated. Tear the remaining 6 basil leaves into the pasta and add the mozzarella. Toss the mozzarella, basil and pasta and serve warm or at room temperature.