Roasted Pepper Pasta
A vibrant, flavorful pasta dish featuring roasted peppers, fresh basil, and a savory tomato-onion sauce, perfect for a comforting yet colorful meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook penne noodles according to package directions and set aside.
- Slice peppers in half, hollow out the insides, and place them hollow side down on a baking sheet.
- Wipe olive oil on the outside of peppers and sprinkle with kosher salt.
- Broil peppers until they turn black, approximately 15 minutes.
- Wipe the charred skin off the peppers with a paper towel and thinly slice them.
- In a pan, add diced onion, diced tomatoes, minced garlic, and fennel seed; cook until fragrant.
- Add sliced roasted peppers to the pan and toss with cooked pasta and fresh basil.
- Serve topped with Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider roasting the garlic cloves alongside the peppers. If you're short on time, jarred roasted peppers can be a quick substitute. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the sautéed onion mixture. Fresh basil can be swapped with parsley if needed, and for a heartier dish, include Italian sausage or chickpeas for protein.
Serving Suggestions
This Roasted Pepper Pasta is delightful on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad for a fresh touch or garlic bread for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with Italian Beef And Peppers for a more substantial dinner. Top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra basil for an elevated presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of olive oil or water to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring frequently until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Roasted Pepper Pasta contains roughly 313 calories, with 10g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (192% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and iron (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2076mg per serving (90% 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 recipe vegan?
Yes, to make this Roasted Pepper Pasta vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. This recipe is versatile enough to accommodate various dietary preferences.
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
While penne noodles are a great choice for this recipe due to their shape, you can also use other pasta varieties like fusilli or farfalle. Choose whole grain or gluten-free pasta to suit your dietary needs while still enjoying the same delicious flavors.
Can I add protein to this pasta dish?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage can be excellent additions to this dish. For a vegetarian option, consider adding chickpeas or white beans for extra protein. Just cook the protein separately and toss it in with the pasta and vegetables before serving.
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).