Roasted Red Pepper Pesto with Penne Pasta

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Roasted Red Pepper Pesto with Penne Pasta

If pasta could take a dreamy little trip to the Italian countryside, this would be it—a twirl of perfectly al dente penne cloaked in silky roasted red pepper pesto, kissed with smoky sweetness, and crowned with delicate curls of Parmigiano Reggiano.
For this recipe, I reached for beautifully roasted red peppers from an Italian specialty shop in Chelsea Market in New York City, although roasting your own peppers at home is equally delicious when time allows. Chelsea Market is one of those places I could happily wander through for hours, admiring the beautiful Italian pastas, cured meats, imported specialties, and culinary treasures that seem to transport me straight back to Italy. There is something wonderfully nostalgic about cooking with ingredients that evoke the flavors and simplicity of European kitchens, where beautiful food often begins with fresh, thoughtfully chosen ingredients.
Blended into a silky pesto and tossed with perfectly al dente penne, the roasted peppers create a sauce that is far more vibrant and complex than an ordinary tomato sauce. The pesto is creamy and intensely flavorful, with a beautiful balance of sweetness, savory richness, and that irresistible whisper of smokiness from the peppers. A generous scattering of delicately shaved Parmigiano Reggiano melts ever so slightly over the warm pasta, adding a luxurious nutty, salty finish that beautifully complements the sweetness of the roasted peppers. Best of all, this is an effortless dish that comes together quickly, making it equally lovely for a relaxed weeknight dinner or an elegant lunch with friends.
Roasted red peppers are also a nutritional little gem, providing vitamin C, vitamin A, antioxidants such as carotenoids, and beneficial plant compounds that support overall health. When paired with whole-grain penne, the dish can provide additional fiber and complex carbohydrates for longer-lasting energy, while Parmigiano Reggiano contributes protein and calcium along with its wonderfully savory flavor.
I especially love that this pasta can be enjoyed warm and comforting straight from the stove or served chilled as a vibrant pasta salad on a summer afternoon. One forkful of this colorful, aromatic pasta, finished with those delicate shavings of Parmigiano Reggiano, and you may find yourself making this little taste of Italy far more often than you ever imagined.Enjoy!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Dish, Pasta, Vegetarian
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2 people
Calories 136 kcal

Equipment

  • Stock pot
  • food processor
  • Cutting Board
  • Chefs Knife
  • Wooden Spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup roasted red pepper chopped
  • 12 almonds, unsalted
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 large clove garlic smashed
  • 1 pinch kosher salt
  • 1 dash fresh ground pepper
  • 1/8 cup parmigiano reggiano cheese grated
  • 1 fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a stock pot bring to a boil some salted water and add the pasta. Cook according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta liquid and drain the rest of the pasta.
  • While the pasta is cooking prepare the pesto. Add the olive oil, red pepper, almonds, tomato paste garlic, salt, pepper into a food processor and process until smooth. Add in the 1/4 cup of pasta liquid and pulse through for a few seconds.
  • Incorporate the pesto with the pasta.
  • Add the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and mix to incorporate. Serve either hot or cold.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 136kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 662mgPotassium: 188mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 353IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 110mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Almonds, Pasta, Penne, Pesto;, Recipes, Roasted Red Pepper
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Hello, I'm Yvette

Well, hello there! Thank you for taking a look. I hope you stay awhile and revisit often. I’m Yvette, and the recipes you will find here are easy to follow from my home and world travels all with pics included. They are prepared with whole food, seasonal ingredients that nourish your body and will make your culinary experience smooth. Most are very easy and quick while some are nurtured with longer preparation time for a Sunday or holiday event.

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Yvette

Hi, I’m Yvette! I enjoy creating recipes that I love making for my family and friends, and I’m excited to share them with you. I also have a deep passion for traveling and experiencing the diverse cuisines of different places. Each location has its unique style and flavors, and I want to bring those to you through my recipes. Each journey opens my eyes to a tapestry of flavors and culinary traditions from around the globe. From the zesty spices of street food vendors to the rich aromas from local kitchens, every destination has its own story and unique palate. I’m excited to infuse these experiences into my recipes, inviting you to savor a taste of the world without leaving your home. So, settle in, choose a destination that captivates your heart, and let’s embark on a delightful culinary experience together as we explore new flavors and create unforgettable meals!

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