Pasta Picante(Fettuccine With Vegetable Sauce)
A vibrant, spicy pasta dish featuring crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner that appeals to vegetable lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- 6 bacon strips, diced ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 green or red bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup fresh basil or 1 tablespoon dried basil leaves ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 large zucchini, cubed ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can Ro-Tel tomatoes and green chilies, diced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 12 oz. fettuccine, cooked and drained
Instructions
- In a large frying pan, cook bacon until crisp.
- Remove bacon and set aside.
- Drain all but 2 tablespoons of fat from the pan.
- Add minced garlic and chopped onion; cook until translucent.
- Add cubed zucchini and chopped peppers; stir over medium-high heat until tender-crisp, about 2 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes with green chilies, basil, chopped parsley, and oil; cook, stirring frequently, until hot.
- Add salt to taste.
- In a heated serving bowl, toss cooked fettuccine with the vegetable mixture and bacon.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute turkey bacon for traditional bacon. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition. If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Fresh basil offers the best flavor, but dried basil can work in a pinch.
Serving Suggestions
This Pasta Picante pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For an extra indulgent touch, serve with a glass of white wine. You can also sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top just before serving for added flavor. Consider browsing more Italian recipes for more delicious ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the pasta from drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Picante(Fettuccine With Vegetable Sauce) contains roughly 868 calories, with 42g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (88% of the Daily Value), and protein (84% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2950mg per serving (128% of the Daily Value).
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 dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of oil for sautéing. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and texture.
What type of fettuccine works best?
Regular fettuccine is perfect for this dish, but you can also use whole wheat or gluten-free fettuccine if preferred. Just cook according to package instructions for the best results.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the vegetable sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before tossing it with the cooked fettuccine and bacon for a quick meal.
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).