Three-Cheese Ziti With Seared Scallops for Two

Pepper infused scallops served over creamy, slightly smokey ziti .

• Ready In: 33 mins
• Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 2  habanero peppers, diced (can sub scotch bonnet or jalapeno)
• 10  large sea scallops
• 4  ounces smoked gouda cheese
• 2  ounces  goat cheese
• 2  ounces parmesan cheese
• 1 1⁄2 cups ziti pasta
• 1⁄2 cup milk
• 1  teaspoon  minced garlic
• 1  teaspoon chili powder
•  salt
• 2 -3  tablespoons olive oil
• 1⁄4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Directions

1. Slice scallops in half through the center, keeping them circular.
2. Add scallops to a large baggie or mixing bowl and add habanero peppers, garlic, chili powder, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Toss to coat.
3. Prepare ziti noodles by boiling as directed on the box.
4. Heat a saute pan to medium-high heat.
5. Once ziti is cooked, drain and return noodles to pot. Set pot back on heat and add milk and cheeses. Stir vigorously until cheeses melt thoroughly. Cover and set aside.
6. With saute pan good and hot, add olive oil. Season scallops with salt and add to hot pan. Saute scallops about 1 to 1-1/2 minutes per side, or until scallops are cooked all the way through and appear opaque.
7. Distribute ziti into 2 bowls and top with cilantro and then 10 half scallops each.