Pasta With Basil And Sweet Pepper
A vibrant pasta dish featuring fresh basil, sweet peppers, and garlic in a light, savory sauce, perfect for a quick, flavorful meal for family or friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and chopped pepper; sauté for 3 minutes.
- Add water, bouillon cube, and basil; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 4 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in vinegar.
- Toss the sauce with cooked and drained pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using extra virgin olive oil. You can substitute the bell pepper with zucchini or spinach for a different vegetable profile. If you prefer a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic and pepper. Fresh basil is ideal, but dried can work in a pinch; just use about a third of the amount. To make it a protein-rich dish, toss in some cooked chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta dish warm, garnished with additional fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up any remaining sauce. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Sicilian Chicken or Italian Chicken Over Spaghetti.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm the pasta and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or stock if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a covered dish, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta With Basil And Sweet Pepper contains roughly 194 calories, with 11g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (106% of the Daily Value), calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 9g 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 dried basil instead of fresh basil?
Yes, you can use dried basil, but the flavor will be less vibrant. Use about one teaspoon of dried basil, as it is more concentrated than fresh. Add it along with the water and bouillon to allow it to rehydrate and release its flavor during cooking.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
While this recipe suggests using any pasta, shorter shapes like penne or fusilli hold the sauce well. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if desired. Just be sure to adjust cooking times according to the package instructions for the best texture.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegan, substitute the chicken bouillon cube with a vegetable bouillon cube or simply omit it and increase the seasoning to taste. Use olive oil and ensure any pasta used is egg-free. Fresh basil and peppers will still provide great flavor!
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).