Are you craving a restaurant-quality meal that comes together faster than you can order takeout? Look no further than this Quick and Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta – a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that will make your taste buds dance and impress even the pickiest eaters. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cooking time, this Italian-inspired recipe proves that gourmet doesn't have to mean complicated.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 200g pasta
- 1 jar roasted red peppers
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add 200g of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a medium skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown.
- Next, drain the jar of roasted red peppers and chop them into small pieces. Add the chopped roasted red peppers to the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Stir well to combine and let cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the roasted red pepper sauce.
- Gently toss the pasta in the sauce, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to help loosen the sauce if needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a minute to cool slightly. Serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves for added flavor and a pop of color.
- Enjoy your Quick and Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta!
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use jarred roasted red peppers for convenience, but opt for a high-quality brand with minimal additives.
- Don't Overcook the Garlic: Sauté garlic just until fragrant to prevent bitterness and burning.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water helps create a silky, clingy sauce that coats every pasta strand perfectly.
- Al Dente is Key: Cook pasta until it's just tender to maintain the ideal texture.
- Fresh Basil Makes a Difference: Add torn fresh basil leaves just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor and aroma.
- Customize Your Dish: Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp, or make it vegetarian by sprinkling some parmesan cheese on top.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
