Prepare to transform your ordinary dinner into a vibrant feast that will tantalize your taste buds and dazzle your eyes! This simple yet stunning Italian-inspired dish combines the crisp, sweet flavors of green and orange bell peppers with perfectly cooked fettuccini, creating a meal that's as beautiful as it is delicious. In just 35 minutes, you'll craft a restaurant-quality pasta that proves gourmet cooking can be quick, easy, and absolutely spectacular.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccini
- 1 cup green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup orange bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the fettuccini to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, wash and slice the green and orange bell peppers into thin, uniform ribbons.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. The peppers should remain crisp and retain their vibrant colors.
- Drain the cooked fettuccini in a colander, reserving a small amount of pasta water if needed for sauce consistency.
- Transfer the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the peppers. Toss gently to combine, coating the pasta with the olive oil and garlic.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the mixture seems dry, add a small splash of reserved pasta water.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnishing with additional black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea to properly season your pasta from within.
- Keep your bell peppers crisp by sautéing them quickly over medium heat, preserving their vibrant colors and fresh texture.
- Reserve a little pasta water before draining; its starchy magic helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients cling to the pasta.
- Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor, and be careful not to burn the garlic - it turns bitter when overcooked.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh parmesan or a few red pepper flakes when serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg