[ADD VEGGIE TO GROUND BEEF] Roasted Red Pepper Pasta With Fresh Mozzarella and Chives

Rub each bell pepper half with a drizzle of olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet, cut sides down.

Roast on top rack until softened and lightly charred, 20-25 minutes.

Meanwhile, place 1 TBSP butter (2 TBSP for 4 servings) in a small microwave-safe bowl; microwave until just melted, 30 seconds. Stir in panko and season with salt.

Once water is boiling, add cavatappi to pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, 9-11 minutes.

Drain and set aside.

While pasta cooks, heat a large, preferably ovenproof, pan over medium-high heat. Add marinara, ½ cup water (¾ cup for 4 servings), half the chives, a pinch of chili flakes, and a big pinch of salt; stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium. Simmer until slightly thickened, 3-5 minutes.

Turn off heat; stir in cream cheese until melted and combined. Season with salt and pepper.

Once bell pepper is done roasting, remove from oven and let cool slightly. Transfer bell pepper to a cutting board, then thinly slice.

Heat broiler to high. Stir sliced bell pepper and drained cavatappi into pan with sauce. If sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water. Season with salt and pepper. TIP: If your pan isn’t ovenproof, transfer mixture now to a baking dish.

Sprinkle pasta mixture with mozzarella and panko. Broil until cheese melts and panko is golden brown, 2-4 minutes. (Watch carefully to avoid burning!)