Pesto Cavatelli w/ Mushrooms and Spicy Breadcrumbs

Ingredients

• •6 oz cavatelli pasta
• •2 clove garlic, finely chopped
• •4 oz cremini Mushrooms, thinly sliced
• •1/4 cup Basil & Cashew Pesto
• •1/4 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
• •1/4 cup Panko
• •1 Tbsp mascarpone cheese
• •1 oz Roasted Piquillo Peppers, diced
• •1 Zucchini, halved and thinly sliced

Steps

1. 1Heat a medium pot of salted water to boiling on high.
2. 2In a medium pan, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the **breadcrumbs** and half the **chopped garlic**; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden brown. Turn off the heat and add the red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Transfer to a plate. Wipe out the pan.
3. 3While the breadcrumbs toast, add the **pasta** to the pot of boiling water. Cook, stirring occasionally, 9 to 11 minutes, or until al dente (still slightly firm to the bite). Turn off the heat. Reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, drain thoroughly and return to the pot.
4. 4While the pasta cooks, in the same pan, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the **sliced mushrooms** in an even layer and cook, without stirring, 3 to 4 minutes, or until lightly browned. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, 1 to 2 minutes, or until browned. Add the **sliced zucchini** and remaining **chopped garlic**; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, 4 to 5 minutes, or until lightly browned. Turn off the heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5To the pot of **cooked pasta**, add the **cooked vegetables**, **mascarpone cheese**, and half the reserved pasta cooking water. Cook on medium-high, stirring vigorously, 1 to 2 minutes, or until coated. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add the remaining pasta cooking water to achieve your desired consistency. Turn off the heat. Stir in the **pesto** and **chopped peppers** until thoroughly combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the finished pasta garnished with the spicy breadcrumbs.