Ziti with Spinach, Cherry Tomatoes, and Gorgonzola Sauce

By ROBandSEAN

Gorgonzola, an Italian blue cheese, gives this grown-up mac and cheese dish pungent flavor. If you'd like to make it more family-friendly, substitute your favorite blue or other creamy cheese. You can also substitute penne or rigatoni for ziti

Ingredients

• 4 ounces uncooked ziti
• 1/2 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 6 tablespoons half-and-half
• 3 tablespoons Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup fresh spinach

Preparation

Step 1

Preparation

1. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat; drain.
2. Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add cherry tomatoes, salt, crushed red pepper, and minced garlic to pan; cook 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Stir in half-and-half and Gorgonzola cheese; cook 2 minutes or until slightly thick, stirring constantly. Stir in spinach and pasta; cook 1 minute or until spinach wilts, tossing occasionally.