Imagine a pasta dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience. This Penne with Pepper and Pistachio Sauce is not just a meal—it's a vibrant journey through Italian flavors that will transport you straight to the sun-drenched hills of Mediterranean cuisine. With its rich, creamy pistachio sauce and perfectly roasted red peppers, this recipe promises to elevate your home cooking from mundane to magnificent in just 25 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 red bell pepper, roasted
- 1/2 cup pistachios, shelled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Roast the red bell pepper if you haven't done so already. You can do this by placing it under a broiler, turning occasionally until the skin is charred and blistered. Once roasted, place the pepper in a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap for about 10 minutes to steam. This will make it easier to peel. After steaming, peel off the skin, remove the seeds, and slice the pepper into strips.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 12 oz of penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 11-13 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pistachio sauce. In a food processor, combine the roasted red bell pepper, 1/2 cup of shelled pistachios, 2 cloves of garlic (peeled), and 1/4 cup of olive oil. Blend until smooth. You can adjust the consistency by adding a little more olive oil if necessary. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the penne is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta, as you want to keep the starch that will help the sauce adhere.
- In the same pot used for the pasta, combine the drained penne with the pistachio sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve the penne in bowls or on plates, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Optionally, you can sprinkle additional pistachios on top for added crunch and flavor.
- Enjoy your delicious Penne with Pepper and Pistachio Sauce!
Tips
- Roasting the red pepper is crucial—take your time to char it evenly for maximum flavor development.
- Don't discard pasta water! It's liquid gold that helps create a silky, clingy sauce.
- For an extra flavor boost, toast the pistachios lightly before blending to enhance their nutty profile.
- Use a high-powered food processor to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce texture.
- Fresh basil is non-negotiable—it adds a bright, aromatic finish that completes the dish.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, gradually add pasta water to adjust consistency.
- For a vegan version, ensure your olive oil is high-quality and consider adding nutritional yeast for depth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
