Get ready to elevate your pasta game with a vibrant, flavor-packed Red Pepper Pesto Pasta that will make your taste buds dance with excitement! This Italian-inspired dish is not just another pasta recipe – it's a culinary adventure that combines the smoky sweetness of roasted red peppers, the rich nuttiness of walnuts, and the sharp tang of Parmesan cheese into one irresistible meal. Whether you're a busy home cook looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a food enthusiast craving something extraordinary, this recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 300g pasta of choice
- 2 roasted red peppers
- 50g walnuts
- 50g Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil as needed
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add 300g of your pasta of choice. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the red pepper pesto. In a food processor, combine the 2 roasted red peppers, 50g of walnuts, 50g of grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 cloves of garlic. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped and well combined.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. Start with about 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil and adjust as necessary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Return the drained pasta to the pot over low heat. Add the red pepper pesto to the pasta, mixing well to combine. If the pesto is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Continue to cook the pasta with the pesto for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Once ready, remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Enjoy your delicious Red Pepper Pesto Pasta!
Tips
- Choose high-quality roasted red peppers for the most intense flavor – either jarred or freshly roasted work beautifully.
- Toast your walnuts lightly before adding to the pesto to enhance their nutty flavor and add depth to the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water is crucial – its starchy consistency helps create a silky, clingy sauce that coats every pasta strand perfectly.
- For a smoother pesto, blend ingredients longer and add olive oil gradually to achieve the ideal texture.
- Don't overcook the pasta – aim for al dente to maintain a perfect bite and prevent mushiness.
- Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes – while any will work, shapes like penne or fusilli hold the pesto sauce exceptionally well.
- For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta to make the dish more substantial.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
