Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a burst of vibrant flavors? Look no further than this delightful Red Pepper Tomato Pasta! This Italian-inspired dish combines the sweetness of roasted red bell peppers with the rich tang of diced tomatoes, creating a mouthwatering sauce that clings perfectly to al dente pasta. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a meal that not only satisfies your taste buds but also impresses your family and friends. Get ready to discover the secrets behind this simple yet irresistible recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 red bell peppers
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, core and slice red bell peppers into thin strips. Mince garlic cloves finely.
- 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 sliced red bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peppers begin to soften and slightly caramelize.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juice. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-6 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Drain cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water. Add pasta directly to the skillet with peppers and tomatoes.
- Toss pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to help sauce coat the pasta evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly torn basil leaves. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Always salt your boiling water generously before adding the pasta. This enhances the flavor of the noodles and ensures they taste great on their own.
- Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh red bell peppers and high-quality canned tomatoes. San Marzano tomatoes are a fantastic choice if you can find them!
- Don’t Rush the Garlic: Sauté the garlic just until fragrant—about 30-45 seconds. If it burns, it can turn bitter and ruin the dish.
- Adjust the Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. This starchy water helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta.
- Garnish for Flavor: Fresh basil adds a wonderful aroma and flavor, so don’t skip this step! Tear the leaves by hand for the best texture and taste.
- Serve Immediately: Pasta is best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve it right after tossing with the sauce for the ultimate dining experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 142kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
