Welcome to the journey of creating a delectable dish of pasta infused with the tangy and smokey flavor of roasted red pepper sauce. This is a dish that combines the comforting familiarity of pasta with the robust, hearty punch of the red pepper sauce. It's perfect for those who love to explore different tastes and textures in their pasta dishes.
Most ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples, except perhaps the roasted red peppers. They can be found jarred in most supermarkets, often near the pickles and olives. You can also roast your own red peppers if you prefer. Fresh basil is another ingredient that elevates the flavor of this dish significantly, so try to get it fresh.
Ingredients for Pasta with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
Pasta: The base of the dish, choose your favorite type.Red peppers: They add a sweet, smoky flavor to the sauce.White onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.Garlic: Gives that aromatic and flavorful kick.Olive oil: Used for sautéing, it brings out the flavors of the ingredients.Chicken stock: Adds a savory note to the sauce.Honey: Balances out the acidity of the peppers.Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.Red pepper: Adds a bit of heat to the sauce.Black pepper: Gives a hint of spiciness.Basil: Adds a fresh, herby note.Parmesan cheese: Gives a nutty, savory flavor and a lovely creaminess to the dish.Pine nuts (optional): They add a nice crunch and subtle flavor.
One reader, Cart Saenz says:
This pasta with roasted red pepper sauce recipe is a game-changer! The sauce is bursting with flavor, and the combination of sweet red peppers and savory parmesan is simply divine. It's a quick and easy dish that never fails to impress. I highly recommend trying it out!
Key Techniques for Making Pasta with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
Cooking the pasta: Boil the pasta in a pot of generously-salted boiling water until al dente, following the package instructions.
Making the roasted red pepper sauce: Blend the roasted red peppers, onion, and garlic until smooth. Then, sauté the mixture in olive oil until it simmers. Add the remaining sauce ingredients, bring to a simmer, and let it cook for 5-10 minutes.
Tossing the pasta with the sauce: Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and transfer it to the sauté pan with the sauce. Toss to combine.
Serving the dish: Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with optional toppings such as fresh basil, parmesan cheese, and pine nuts.
How To Make Pasta with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
Serve your next pasta meal with this warm and flavorful roasted red pepper sauce. You’ll have a tasty dish in less than 30 minutes.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbpasta,I used whole-wheat penne pasta, 16 oz
For Roasted Red Pepper Sauce:
- 15½ozred peppers,roasted
- 1small white onion,diced
- 4cloves garlic,minced
- 1tbspolive oil
- ½cupchicken stock,or vegetable stock
- 1tbsphoney
- 1tspsalt
- ½tspred pepper,crushed, more/less to taste
- ¼tspblack pepper,freshly ground
- ¼cupfresh basil,roughly chopped
- ¼cupParmesan cheese,shredded or grated
Optional Toppings:
- fresh basil,chopped
- Parmesan cheese
- pine nuts,toasted
Instructions
-
Cook pasta al dente in a pot of generously-salted boiling water, according to package instructions.
Roasted Red Pepper Sauce:
-
Using a blender or food processor, add roasted red peppers (with juices), onion and garlic and pulse until combined and smooth.
-
Heat olive oil in a large saute pan over medium high heat. Pour in the roasted red pepper mixture, and saute for 5 minutes or until the sauce begins to simmer.
-
Stir in the remaining sauce ingredients (stock, honey, salt, crushed red pepper, black pepper and basil), and bring back to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, and let the sauce simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes or until your pasta is done.
-
Once the pasta reaches al dente, drain it and transfer the pasta to the saute pan of sauce. Toss to combine.
-
Serve immediately, garnished with extra toppings if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 373.45kcal
- Fat: 5.48g
- Saturated Fat: 1.63g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.36g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.80g
- Carbohydrates: 66.53g
- Fiber: 4.26g
- Sugar: 8.86g
- Protein: 13.61g
- Cholesterol: 4.81mg
- Sodium: 455.39mg
- Calcium: 104.03mg
- Potassium: 381.88mg
- Iron: 1.52mg
- Vitamin A: 131.09µg
- Vitamin C: 95.58mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Pasta with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
When roasting your red peppers, make sure to turn them occasionally to ensure they are evenly cooked. This will help to bring out their natural sweetness and add a depth of flavor to your roasted red pepper sauce. Additionally, when blending the sauce, you may want to add the liquids gradually to achieve your desired consistency. Some may prefer a thicker sauce, while others may want it a bit thinner. Remember, it's easier to add more liquid than to take it away.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare the ingredients for the roasted red pepper sauce in advance to save time when you're ready to cook.
Use store-bought: Consider using store-bought roasted red peppers to cut down on the time needed for roasting and peeling fresh peppers.
Multi-task: While the sauce is simmering, use that time to cook the pasta and prepare any optional toppings.
One-pot: Consider cooking the pasta in the same pot as the sauce to save time on clean-up.
Freeze extra: Make a double batch of the roasted red pepper sauce and freeze the extra for a quick and easy meal in the future.
Prep organization: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you cook to save time and reduce stress.
Substitute Ingredients For Pasta with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Recipe
pasta - Substitute with zucchini noodles: Zucchini noodles are a low-carb, gluten-free alternative to traditional pasta, and they add a nice crunch and freshness to the dish.
red peppers - Substitute with tomatoes: Tomatoes can provide a similar sweet and tangy flavor to the dish, and they also add a nice color and texture to the sauce.
white onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to white onions, and they can add a subtle depth of flavor to the roasted red pepper sauce.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a similar flavor without the need for chopping or mincing.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
chicken stock - Substitute with vegetable stock: Vegetable stock can be used as a vegetarian alternative to chicken stock, adding depth of flavor to the sauce.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add a touch of sweetness to the sauce, similar to honey, and it complements the flavors of the roasted red peppers.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for regular table salt, providing a similar level of saltiness to the dish.
red pepper - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can add a mild, smoky flavor and a vibrant red color to the sauce, similar to red pepper.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor compared to black pepper and can be used as a substitute in the roasted red pepper sauce.
fresh basil - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can provide a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish, similar to basil, and it adds a pop of green color as a garnish.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino cheese: Pecorino cheese has a similar salty and nutty flavor to parmesan and can be used as a substitute in the recipe.
pine nuts - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts can add a similar nutty crunch to the dish, and they are a suitable alternative to pine nuts.
How to Beautifully Present This Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Dish
Elevate the plating: As a culinary genius, I would carefully consider the presentation of the pasta with roasted red pepper sauce. I would use a large, shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the dish and allow the sauce to pool at the bottom, creating a visually appealing base for the pasta.
Garnish with fresh basil: I would delicately place a few sprigs of fresh basil on top of the pasta, adding a pop of green color and a hint of freshness to the dish. The aromatic basil would also provide a beautiful fragrance as the dish is presented to the judges.
Sprinkle with aged parmesan cheese: Using a fine grater, I would generously sprinkle aged parmesan cheese over the pasta, allowing the shavings to cascade elegantly down the sides of the dish. The rich, nutty aroma of the parmesan would complement the flavors of the roasted red pepper sauce.
Add a touch of elegance with pine nuts: To add a touch of sophistication, I would lightly toast pine nuts and sprinkle them over the pasta. The subtle crunch and nutty flavor of the pine nuts would provide a delightful textural contrast and elevate the overall dining experience.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: With a steady hand, I would drizzle a swirl of high-quality olive oil around the edge of the bowl, creating a stunning visual effect and adding a luxurious sheen to the dish.
Consider the negative space: I would carefully consider the use of negative space on the plate, ensuring that the pasta is the focal point while allowing the vibrant colors and textures to shine through, creating a visually captivating presentation.
Use elegant serving utensils: When presenting the dish, I would use elegant serving utensils, such as polished silver tongs, to delicately portion the pasta onto the plates, demonstrating precision and attention to detail in the plating process.
Focus on symmetry and balance: I would pay close attention to the placement of each element on the plate, aiming for symmetry and balance to create a visually harmonious presentation that reflects the artistry and skill behind the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Pasta with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
- Blender: A kitchen appliance used to blend, puree, or emulsify food and other substances.
- Food processor: A versatile kitchen appliance used to chop, slice, shred, grind, and puree various ingredients.
- Large saute pan: A wide, flat-bottomed pan with tall sides, used for sautéing, frying, and simmering ingredients.
- Pot: A cooking vessel with a handle and often a lid, used for boiling, stewing, or steaming food.
- Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforations or holes used to drain liquids from food.
- Blender: A kitchen appliance used to blend, puree, or emulsify food and other substances.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients, often available in various sizes.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade used for lifting, spreading, or turning food.
- Pasta pot: A large, deep pot with a strainer insert, specifically designed for cooking and draining pasta.
- Cutting board: A durable board used to protect countertops and provide a stable surface for cutting and preparing food.
- Knife: A sharp-edged utensil used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
Storing and Freezing Instructions for Pasta with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
- Allow the pasta with roasted red pepper sauce to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer the cooled pasta and sauce to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
- If using a container, make sure to press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pasta to prevent air from reaching it and causing it to dry out.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Store the pasta and sauce in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze the pasta and sauce:
- Divide the cooled pasta and sauce into individual serving-sized portions.
- Place each portion into a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents.
- Freeze the pasta and sauce for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat frozen pasta and sauce:
- Thaw the desired portion in the refrigerator overnight.
- Transfer the thawed pasta and sauce to a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to prevent the pasta from drying out.
- Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the pasta and sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- When reheating, you may need to add a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened during storage.
- Garnish the reheated pasta with fresh basil, parmesan cheese, and pine nuts, if desired, before serving.
How To Reheat Leftover Pasta with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover pasta with roasted red pepper sauce to a large skillet or saucepan. Add a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out. Heat the pasta over medium-low heat, stirring gently, until it's heated through and the sauce is simmering. If the sauce appears too thick, add more liquid as needed. This method ensures that the pasta is evenly heated and the sauce maintains its original consistency.
Microwave method: place the leftover pasta in a microwave-safe dish and add a splash of chicken stock or water to help maintain the sauce's consistency. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the pasta is heated through and the sauce is steaming. Be careful not to overheat the pasta, as it can cause the sauce to separate or the pasta to become rubbery.
Oven method: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover pasta to an oven-safe dish and add a splash of chicken stock or water to prevent the pasta from drying out. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through and the sauce is bubbly. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top of the pasta to brown slightly and develop a crispy texture.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving. You may find that the flavors have mellowed overnight, so a sprinkle of fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, or a pinch of salt and black pepper can help revive the dish. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of chicken stock or pasta cooking water to loosen it up and restore its original consistency.
Interesting Trivia About Pasta with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
The roasted red pepper sauce in this recipe is a great source of vitamin C, thanks to the red peppers. Vitamin C is essential for the growth, development, and repair of all body tissues. It also helps in the formation of collagen, absorption of iron, and acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals. So, this pasta dish not only tastes delicious but also provides a healthy dose of vitamin C.
Budget-Friendly: Making Pasta with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce at Home
This pasta with roasted red pepper sauce recipe is quite cost-effective, as it primarily uses affordable ingredients like pasta, red peppers, onions, and garlic. The addition of parmesan cheese and fresh basil may slightly increase the cost, but they are optional. Overall, this recipe offers a flavorful and satisfying meal for a household. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate it an 8 for its simplicity, taste, and affordability. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20, making it a budget-friendly option.
Is Pasta with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Healthy?
The pasta with roasted red pepper sauce recipe is a relatively healthy dish with some room for improvement. The recipe incorporates several nutritious ingredients, such as:
- Red peppers, which are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber
- Onion and garlic, which offer prebiotics and immune-boosting properties
- Olive oil, a healthy source of monounsaturated fats
- Fresh basil, providing additional vitamins and minerals
However, the recipe also includes some less healthy components, like added honey and a significant amount of Parmesan cheese, which can contribute to higher calorie and fat content.
To enhance the nutritional value of this dish, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for whole grain or legume-based pasta to increase fiber and protein content
- Reduce the amount of honey or replace it with a natural, low-calorie sweetener like stevia
- Use a smaller quantity of Parmesan cheese or replace it with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor with less fat and more B vitamins
- Include additional vegetables, such as spinach or zucchini, to boost the nutrient density of the sauce
- Replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock to make the recipe vegetarian-friendly and lower in sodium
By incorporating these modifications, you can create a more well-rounded and nutrient-packed meal that still delivers on flavor. The roasted red pepper sauce is a tasty and creative way to enjoy pasta while sneaking in some extra servings of vegetables. With a few tweaks, this dish can become a staple in a healthy and balanced diet.
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
The pasta with roasted red pepper sauce recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The roasted red pepper sauce is rich and savory, with a hint of sweetness from the honey, and the addition of fresh basil and parmesan cheese adds a wonderful depth of flavor. The optional toppings of fresh basil, parmesan cheese, and pine nuts provide a lovely finishing touch. This dish is a perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication, making it a versatile and impressive addition to any dining experience.
Enhance Your Pasta with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Pasta with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a must-try for any pasta enthusiast. The roasted red peppers bring a smoky sweetness, while the caramelized onions and garlic add depth. The sauce is enriched with chicken stock and balanced with a touch of honey, creating a harmonious blend. The addition of fresh basil and parmesan cheese elevates the dish, providing a burst of freshness and savory richness. This recipe promises a satisfying and flavorful experience, perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with loved ones.
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