Mediterranean Bow Ties

Mediterranean Vegetable, White Bean & Goat Cheese Bow Ties

Ingredients:

6 oz. Whole wheat bow-tie pasta (or penne, rotini, etc)

1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

1 can petite diced tomatoes
1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 T. dried basil

1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes

1/4 tsp. sea salt

1 T. Extra virgin olive oil

1 medium zucchini, cut into 1-2 inch pieces

1 medium bell pepper, cut into 1-2 inch pieces

1/2 tsp dried rosemary

1 cup crumbled goat cheese

Instructions:

Cook penne according to package directions, adding beans during the last minute of cooking. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, vinegar, basil, pepper and salt, and 1/2 of the garlic. Set aside. Heat oil in a large, nonstick skillet on medium-high, tilting skillet to coat bottom. Add zucchini and bell pepper and cook for 4 minutes or until edges begin to brown, stirring frequently. Add the rest of the garlic, and stir for about 15 seconds. Remove from the heat and mix in the tomato mixture. Cover the skillet to keep warm.

Drain the penne/bean mixture, place in a serving bowl and sprinkle with the rosemary and most of the goat cheese. Spoon the vegetable mixture over the top and garnish with the remaining goat cheese. Enjoy!