Noodles With Character
A flavorful pasta dish featuring roasted red peppers, garlic, basil, and Parmesan that is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tsp. anise seed, crushed or coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 8 oz. tri-color tubular or spiral pasta, cooked ⓘ
- 7 oz. jar roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
- 1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 c. sliced fresh basil leaves ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Add olive oil, chopped garlic, and crushed anise seed; stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Mix in roasted red peppers, chopped tomatoes, and cooked pasta; toss until heated through, approximately 2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with sliced basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider substituting the anise seed with fennel seeds or omitting them if you're not a fan. You can also swap the Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. If you're looking for a healthier twist, try using whole grain pasta. Fresh basil can be replaced with parsley or arugula if needed, but the flavor will differ slightly. This dish is adaptable, so feel free to experiment!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant pasta dish with a refreshing side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Italian recipes featuring grilled vegetables or a light, zesty dressing. You can also top it with additional grated cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness. For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for a satisfying dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil to prevent it from drying out. This will help restore moisture and flavor without overcooking the ingredients.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Noodles With Character contains roughly 1164 calories, with 34g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 88g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (149% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (132% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 37g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for tri-color tubular or spiral pasta, you can easily substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. The combination of roasted red peppers, garlic, and fresh basil makes it flavorful and satisfying. To make it vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, cook the pasta and then combine it with the sauce. This will save you time during meal prep and allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).