Imagine a dish that captures the vibrant essence of Italian cuisine, bursting with flavor and color—meet the Balsamic Sweet Pepper Pasta with Spinach and Parmesan! This delightful recipe is not only quick to prepare, taking just 25 minutes from start to finish, but it also brings together the sweetness of bell peppers, the earthiness of fresh spinach, and the tangy richness of balsamic vinegar. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this pasta dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into the recipe that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 2 cups spinach
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced bell peppers and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften and develop slight caramelization around the edges.
- Pour the balsamic vinegar into the skillet with the peppers. Reduce heat to medium and let the vinegar simmer and slightly reduce, coating the peppers and creating a glossy glaze, about 2-3 minutes.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the balsamic peppers.
- Add fresh spinach to the skillet and toss everything together. The residual heat will wilt the spinach quickly. If the mixture seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water to help create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Toss gently to distribute the cheese and allow it to slightly melt.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, with additional Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.
Tips
- Choose Your Pasta Wisely: While any pasta will work, opt for shapes that hold sauce well, like penne or fusilli, to maximize flavor in every bite.
- Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente; it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot vegetables, ensuring the perfect texture.
- Add a Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding minced garlic to the skillet just before the bell peppers or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially the balsamic vinegar and Parmesan cheese, to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top before serving can elevate the dish visually and add a fresh flavor.
- Make it Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated gently, making it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 179kcal
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
