Pepper Pasta
Pepper Pasta is a flavorful, spicy dish featuring tender fettuccine coated in a lemon and garlic-infused broth with red pepper strips, perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 4 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can ready to serve chicken broth ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper ⓘ
- 16 oz. uncooked fettuccine ⓘ
- 2 sweet red peppers ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat melted butter and olive oil in a medium saucepan; add minced garlic, grated lemon rind, and crushed red pepper.
- Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add chicken broth and lemon juice; simmer over medium heat until reduced to about 1 1/4 cups (approximately 25 minutes).
- Add salt and freshly ground pepper to the broth.
- Cook fettuccine in a large Dutch oven according to package directions; drain.
- Return cooked fettuccine to the Dutch oven; add red pepper strips and broth mixture.
- Cook over low heat for 1 minute or until thoroughly heated, tossing gently.
- Serve immediately or transfer to a greased baking dish, cover, and chill.
- Remove from refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 1 hour.
- Bake, covered, at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine when simmering the broth. If you prefer a bit more heat, increase the crushed red pepper or add a pinch of cayenne. You can also substitute the fettuccine with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option, making it fit into the vegetarian recipes category.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread, and can be complemented by Italian recipes featuring grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out, and warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pepper Pasta contains roughly 1184 calories, with 6g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 116g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1865mg per serving (81% 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 pasta dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and broth mixture ahead of time. Simply combine everything, then chill and follow the baking instructions when you're ready to serve. This makes it a great option for entertaining.
What type of pasta can I use for this recipe?
While fettuccine is the traditional choice, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or linguine. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you select.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. This will maintain the flavor profile while ensuring it's suitable for a vegetarian diet. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or asparagus for added nutrition.
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).