Zesty Mexican Pasta

NOTE: you can either bake, or cook this dish in a saucepan.

1. boil pasta, drain. shells work best.

2. heat a saucepan with olive oil.  IF you are going to use ground meat [beef, chicken, pork, lamb, chorizo, any meat at all] do so and drain fat.

3. add sliced 1 diced bell pepper, 1 diced red onion, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 finely diced habanero or jalapeno,  1 chopped tomato or salsa. beans and mushrooms optional.

4. add taco seasoning [make or buy] and a bit of water. 

5. for extra ZEST, add red pepper flakes. 

6. simmer until water has boiled off, add 1/2 cup monterey jack/mozzarella/pimento cheese and 2 tablespoons low fat cream cheese with 2 tablespoons vegetable or chicken broth. 

7. simmer until creamy, top with fresh cilantro and a bit of cheese.