Cavatappi Affumicati

Ingredients

• 16 ounces of high quality, imported Italian cavatappi (short noodle) pasta, such as DeCecco
• 2 tablespoons 100 percent pure olive oil (to saute eggplant)
• 1 cup top quality extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pound sauteed and pressed eggplant (see method below)
• 1 pound diced ripe plum tomatoes (diced 1/4-inch thick)
• 1 teaspoon slivered garlic (sliced very thin)
• 1 cup fresh basil (rough cut)
• 1 pound smoked mozzarella cheese (diced 1/8-inch thick)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon course black pepper
• 1 cup grated fresh romano cheese