Introduction
If you’re looking for a mouth-watering pasta dish that’s both rich and flavorful, then this Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Blistered Tomatoes Recipe is perfect for you. This recipe combines the sweetness of roasted red peppers with the tartness of blistered tomatoes, creating a symphony of flavors that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Plus, it can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
- Versatile: Great for a family dinner or a romantic date night.
- Rich and Creamy: A luxurious texture without being too heavy.
Ingredients
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients:
For the Creamy Red Pepper Sauce:
- 2 large red bell peppers
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Blistered Tomatoes:
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 grams) fettuccine or your preferred pasta
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Red Peppers
- Roast the Red Peppers: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the red peppers on a baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skins are blackened and blistered.
- Peel and Seed: Remove the peppers from the oven and place them in a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let them steam for about 10 minutes. Once cooled, peel off the skins, remove the seeds, and roughly chop the peppers.
Making the Creamy Red Pepper Sauce
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Blend the Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted peppers, sautéed garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Blend until smooth.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour the blended mixture back into the skillet. Season with salt and pepper and let it simmer over low heat while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Preparing the Blistered Tomatoes
- Heat the Oil: In another skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Blister the Tomatoes: Add the cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to blister and burst, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Balsamic Vinegar: Drizzle with balsamic vinegar, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
Cooking the Pasta
- Boil the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Combining Everything
- Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy red pepper sauce. Toss until the pasta is well coated.
- Add Blistered Tomatoes: Gently fold in the blistered tomatoes.
Serving
- Garnish and Serve: Divide the pasta among plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutritional Information
| Component | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 8g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Blistered Tomatoes
- Roasting Peppers: Roasting the red peppers brings out their natural sweetness, making the sauce more flavorful.
- Cream Substitutes: For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based alternative.
- Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the dish’s freshness.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago, for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
This Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Blistered Tomatoes Recipe is not only delicious and easy to make but also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a special meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy the rich, creamy sauce paired with the sweet and tangy blistered tomatoes, all within the comfort of your own home.