Get ready to transform your ordinary pasta night into an extraordinary culinary adventure! This Pasta with Pepper Relish is not just another recipe – it's a flavor explosion that combines the sweet, smoky essence of roasted red peppers with perfectly cooked pasta and a touch of Parmesan magic. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds (and asking for the recipe)!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 300g pasta
- 1 jar roasted red peppers
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 300g of pasta, 1 jar of roasted red peppers, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil for garnish, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous amount of salt to the water to enhance the flavor of the pasta.
- Add the 300g of pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pepper relish. Drain the jar of roasted red peppers and chop them into small pieces. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the chopped roasted red peppers to the skillet with the garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are heated through and slightly caramelized.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the roasted red pepper mixture. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the mixture seems dry.
- Stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
- Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to toss until everything is well combined.
- Once plated, garnish with fresh basil leaves and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Pasta with Pepper Relish!
Tips
- • Always salt your pasta water generously – it's your first chance to add flavor to the dish. • Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta. • Use high-quality roasted red peppers for the best flavor. If possible, choose peppers packed in olive oil for extra richness. • Don't rush the garlic sautéing process – low and slow prevents burning and brings out the sweetest flavor. • For an extra layer of flavor, consider toasting some pine nuts or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pepper relish. • Fresh basil is key – chop it just before serving to maintain its bright, aromatic qualities. • This dish is best served immediately, so have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 10mg
