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This zesty pasta dish makes the perfect entrée for a dinner served with love.
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"Love Chef" Francis Anthony, author of Cooking With Love, Italian Style, joins Heidi Bohay to demonstrate the creation of a simple yet romantic pasta dish that is sure to delight your dinner-party guests. His "Pasta con Amore" is a traditional Italian recipe that can be lightened up to include less fat. Ingredients: 1 lb. ziti or penne
2 bunches of scallions, chopped
1 small red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 very large ripe tomato, chopped
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 Tbs. drained capers
2 Tbs. chopped fresh basil (or 1 Tbs. dried basil)
2 cups (approximately) ricotta cheese (can be low- or no-fat)
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Salt to taste (optional)
4 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese (can be low- or no-fat) Preparation: Cook pasta as indicated on box. Francis stresses the importance of allowing the water to reach a tumultuous boil before adding pasta. In addition, he adds just a small amount of olive oil to the water -- if there's too much, the sauce won't stick as well to the pasta. >While pasta is cooking, sautC) the scallions, red pepper and tomato in the olive oil for 1 to 2 minutes, or until soft. Add capers and basil and continue stirring. Add the ricotta cheese. Tip: If you desire a smoother sauce, put the ricotta through a fine strainer before adding to the pan. Add pepper and salt to taste. Simmer on low until all the ingredients are blended together, about 4 minutes. Divide the pasta among your plates and dress with sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella and serve immediately.
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