Zoo Lights

Mica and Jake called us up today had extra tickets to Zoo Lights at the Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake.  We had dinner at Noodles and Company (a new favorite).  Kyle had the Penne Rosa and I had Pesto Cavatappi, and we've been craving them both ever since.  I went online and found the original recipe here for the Pesto Cavatappi and we made it at home with a few changes (minus the cavatappi noodles - I can't find them anywhere).  It was delicious!

Noodles and Company Pesto Cavatappi Pasta

1 lb Cavatappi cooked al dente

1 Tablespoon canola oil

2 cloves of fresh garlic, chopped

1 Tablespoon butter

1 package mini bella mushrooms

Red Pepper Flakes (to taste)

¼ cup chicken stock or vegetable stock

2 oz cream

2 fresh Roma tomatoes, chopped

2 Tbsp Pesto Sauce

Salt (to taste)

2 Tablespoons shaved Asiago cheese (shaved with a carrot peeler)

Fresh ground black pepper

Cook the pasta to al dente rinse in cold water, drain & set aside.  

Heat a 14 inch sauté pan over medium heat. Add canola oil & the garlic.  Add butter, Portobellos, and red pepper flakes and salt.  Add the Cavatappi noodles & stir.  

Deglaze the pan with  the chicken or vegetable stock.  When the noodles begin to sizzle a bit, add fresh tomatoes and the cream and pesto. Toss & stir. Do not overcook the pasta; the entire process will only take a few minutes.  Garnish with the shaved Asiago cheese.

After dinner, we saw the lights at the Zoo.  It was kind of different to be there at night, and a lot of the animals were sleeping.