Spaghettini with Ground Beef & Cherry Tomatoes

Ingredients

• 8 oz. (225 g) spaghettini (thin spaghetti)
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) salt to cook pasta (optional)
• 8 oz. (225 g) lean ground beef
• 1/2 (120 g) red bell pepper, cut into thin strips about 2" long
• 1 or 2 cloves garlic, sliced thin
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh Italian parsley minced
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh basil, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) red pepper flakes
• 6 to 8 (60 g) green onion, sliced including greens
• 4 oz. (115 g) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 4 oz. (115 g) fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/4-in cubes
• 2 tablespoon (30 ml) Parmesan or Romano cheese, grated
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup (60-80 ml) pasta cooking water