Fettuccine With Red Pepper and Basil Sauce 🌶️🌿
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2
Description:
Indulge in a healthier take on comfort food with this delightful Fettuccine with Red Pepper and Basil Sauce recipe. Here, we eschew heavy creams in favor of a flavorful broth-based sauce, while still maintaining that rich, luxurious taste with a touch of butter. Sauteed onions, garlic, and a medley of spices create a vibrant sauce that coats every strand of fettuccine. Garnished with fresh basil and a squeeze of lemon juice, this dish is a burst of flavors in every bite.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 tbsp | Olive Oil |
| 2 cloves | Garlic, minced |
| 1/2 | Onion, finely chopped |
| 1/8 tsp | Hot Red Pepper Flakes |
| 1/4 tsp | Dried Thyme |
| Red Bell Peppers, diced | |
| 2 cups | Chicken Broth |
| 2 oz | Fettuccine Pasta |
| 2/3 cup | Unsalted Butter |
| 1/2 cup | Fresh Basil Leaves, chopped |
| 1 tbsp | Fresh Lemon Juice |
Instructions:
-
Saute the Aromatics:
- In a small skillet over moderate heat, add the olive oil.
- Saute the minced garlic, chopped onion, hot red pepper flakes, dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook until the onions are softened and the mixture is fragrant.
-
Prepare the Pasta:
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the fettuccine pasta.
-
Simmer the Peppers:
- Add the diced red bell peppers and chicken broth to the skillet with the onion mixture.
- Cover and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the red peppers are very soft and the flavors meld together.
-
Cook the Fettuccine:
- Once the water is boiling, add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot.
-
Blend the Sauce:
- Using a blender, carefully transfer the red pepper and onion mixture into the blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
-
Finish the Sauce:
- Return the blended sauce back to the skillet.
- Add the unsalted butter, chopped fresh basil leaves, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir everything together until the butter melts and the sauce is well combined.
-
Combine and Serve:
- Pour the luscious red pepper and basil sauce over the cooked fettuccine pasta.
- Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 504.1
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5.2g
- Cholesterol: 98.2mg
- Sodium: 289.3mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 75g
- Dietary Fiber: 3.2g
- Sugar: 7g
- Protein: 16.4g
Tips:
- For a lighter version, you can use cooking spray instead of olive oil for sauteing the onions.
- Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of hot red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to add in your favorite veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Enjoy this healthy and flavorful Fettuccine with Red Pepper and Basil Sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner! 🍝✨
