This Sweet Pepper Pasta is a colorful dish loaded with fresh bell peppers, garlic, and olive oil, making it both tasty and easy to whip up. It’s a feast for your eyes and your tummy!
Trust me, there’s something magical about how the sweet peppers dance with the pasta. I could eat this every day and never get tired of watching the colors mix. 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Penne pasta is great because its shape holds the creamy sauce well. You can swap it for fusilli or farfalle if you like! Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed.
Bell Peppers: I love sweet red, orange, and yellow peppers—they add color and sweetness to the dish. If you’re not a fan of these, you can try zucchini or even spinach for a different flavor.
Heavy Cream: The cream gives the sauce a rich texture. If you want a lighter option, try half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream for a twist.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a nice salty flavor and creaminess. If you’re looking for a substitute, Pecorino Romano works well, or nutritional yeast is a good choice for a vegan option.
How Do I Sauté Peppers and onions Perfectly?
Sautéing onions and peppers requires just a bit of attention to get them tender without burning. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions first. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring often until they turn translucent.
- Next, add the sliced peppers. Let them cook for about 6-8 minutes. Stir occasionally until they are soft but still have a bit of crunch.
A tip I like is to sprinkle a little salt on the veggies early on; it helps draw out moisture and enhances flavor. Enjoy making your pasta dish shine!
How to Make Sweet Pepper Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
For The Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 sweet red bell peppers, sliced into strips
- 1-2 sweet orange or yellow bell peppers, sliced into strips
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, roughly chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 30 minutes for this delightful recipe! This includes roughly 10 minutes of preparation and around 20 minutes of cooking. It’s a quick and tasty option for any weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (tender but still firm). When done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Onions:
While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion turns translucent and soft. This adds a lovely base flavor to your dish.
3. Add the Peppers:
Next, toss in the sliced red, orange, and yellow bell peppers into the skillet. Cook them for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften. This is where the colors and sweetness start to shine!
4. Introduce the Garlic:
Now, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and vegetable or chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
6. Season the Sauce:
Add the optional smoked paprika, along with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.
7. Add Cheese:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until it’s melted and the sauce is creamy. This step makes the sauce rich and delicious!
8. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring the penne is evenly coated with that sweet pepper cream sauce. It looks and smells fantastic!
9. Serve and Garnish:
Scoop the pasta into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. If you’d like, sprinkle a bit more black pepper on top for extra flavor. Your Sweet Pepper Pasta is now ready to be enjoyed!
Enjoy your creamy and flavorful Sweet Pepper Pasta!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works great, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on the pasta you choose.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating. You might want to add a splash of broth or cream while reheating to freshen up the sauce!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
What If I Don’t Have Smoked Paprika?
No worries! If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika or even a pinch of cayenne for some heat. The dish will still be delicious without it!
