Pasta In Southwestern Sauce
A vibrant pasta dish featuring a southwestern-inspired tomato and jalapeno sauce, perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors and quick, flavorful meals.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup dry sherry ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon olive oil ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 cup minced shallots or onion ⓘ
- 4 oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped pickled whole jalapeno peppers ⓘ
- 2 large ripe tomatoes, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 pound fresh pasta
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat sherry and oil to bubbling in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and shallots or onions and sauté for 3 minutes.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes, jalapenos, and chopped fresh tomatoes.
- Reduce heat to low.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of lime juice or a pinch of smoked paprika. If you can't find fresh pasta, use dried pasta, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. To enhance the heat, consider adding more jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce. Fresh herbs like cilantro can be substituted for basil or parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm, garnished with additional fresh herbs. It pairs beautifully with Grilled Corn And Black Bean Salad for a vibrant meal. You can also offer a side of Jalapeno Guacamole Dip for a creamy contrast. A light green salad with a citrus dressing complements the Southwestern flavors perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Stir occasionally until heated through, ensuring it doesn’t dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta In Southwestern Sauce contains roughly 625 calories, with 18g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (97% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (78% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 22g 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 make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply omit the dry sherry or replace it with vegetable broth. Ensure the pasta you use is egg-free for a fully vegan dish. The addition of more vegetables can enhance the flavor profile while keeping it plant-based.
What type of pasta works best for this sauce?
Fresh pasta is ideal for its texture and ability to absorb the sauce. However, if unavailable, use any dried pasta like penne or fusilli. Just remember to adjust cooking times according to the package instructions for the best results.
How can I add more protein to this dish?
Consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or even black beans to boost protein content. These additions work well with the Southwestern flavors and can make the dish more filling while keeping it aligned with Mexican recipes.
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).