Mostaccioli with Fresh Basil and Mozzarella

• Salt
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling over the finished pasta if you like
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced
• One 35-ounce can Italian plum tomatoes (preferably San Marzano) with their liquid, seeded and crushed, or 3 cups peeled, seeded, and diced ripe plum tomatoes (see page 9)
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed hot red pepper
• 1 pound mostaccioli or penne pasta
• 1 pound bocconcini (bite-size fresh mozzarella), preferably mozzarella di bufala (see page 54), cut in half
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 1 cup shredded fresh basil leaves

1. Bring 6 quarts of salted water to a boil in an 8-quart pot over high heat.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Scatter the garlic over the oil and cook, shaking the pan, until golden brown, about 2 minutes.
4. Stir in the tomatoes and crushed red pepper.
5. Season lightly with salt, bring to a boil, then lower the heat so the sauce is at a lively simmer.
6. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is lightly reduced, about 10 minutes.
7. While the sauce is simmering, stir the penne into the boiling water.
8. Return to a boil, stirring frequently.
9. Cook the pasta, semi-covered, stirring occasionally, until done, 10 to 12 minutes.
10. If the skillet is large enough to accommodate the sauce and pasta, fish the pasta out of the boiling water with a large wire skimmer and drop it directly into the sauce in the skillet.
11. If not, drain the pasta, return it to the pot, and pour in the sauce.
12. Bring the sauce and pasta to a boil, stirring to coat the pasta with sauce.
13. Check the seasoning, adding salt and crushed red pepper if necessary.
14. Remove the pot from the heat, and stir in the mozzarella, grated cheese, and basil.
15. Serve immediately in warm bowls.

salt, extravirgin olive oil, garlic, italian plum tomatoes, hot red pepper, mostaccioli, mozzarella, cheese, fresh basil

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/mostaccioli-with-fresh-basil-and-mozzarella-375087 (may not work)