ANTIPASTI PENNE

Antipasti Penne image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

12 ounces whole-grain penne
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 ounces soppressata or salami, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
One 14-ounce can artichoke hearts, strained and quartered
6 stuffed Spanish queen olives, halved, plus 2 tablespoons brine
One 14-ounce can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
4 to 5 fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
1/2 cup of 1/2-inch chunks fresh mozzarella

Steps:

Bring a medium pot of water to a boil, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions; drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Return the pasta to the pot.
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the soppressata and cook, stirring, until blistered and the oil turns reddish, about 3 minutes. Add the artichoke hearts and olives and stir to coat. Add the tomatoes, the reserved pasta water, basil leaves and 2 tablespoons of olive brine. Bring to a simmer and cook until most of the water evaporates and the sauce thickens slightly, 8 to 10 minutes.
Add the sauce and mozzarella to the pasta in the pot and stir to combine. Divide among 4 bowls and garnish with more basil.