Baked Penne Pasta with Roasted Peppers in Marinara Sauce
Indulge in a comforting and vibrant dish with this Baked Penne Pasta with Roasted Peppers in Marinara Sauce, a delightful fusion of flavors that brings the essence of Italian cuisine right to your table. This recipe features perfectly al dente penne pasta combined with a homemade marinara sauce enriched by the sweetness of roasted bell peppers and the aromatic essence of garlic and herbs. Ideal for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Penne pasta | 300 grams |
| Tomatoes | 5 medium-sized |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Dried oregano | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 4 cloves |
| Red chili powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sugar (optional) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Green bell pepper (capsicum) | 1, cut into chunks |
| Red bell pepper (capsicum) | 1, cut into chunks |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | As required |
| Parsley leaves (chopped) | 2 stalks |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1/4 cup |
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Element | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 56 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 4 g |
| Total Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
Begin by filling a deep-bottomed saucepan with 500 ml of water and bring it to a vigorous boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta along with a pinch of salt, and cook until al dente, which typically takes about 10 to 12 minutes. When done, drain the pasta in a colander, reserving some of the pasta water for later use. To prevent the pasta from sticking, rinse it briefly under running water and drizzle with a little olive oil, tossing gently to coat. Set aside. -
-
Prepare the Marinara Sauce:
In a separate saucepan, bring water to a boil again. Rinse the tomatoes, making shallow slits in their skins, and immerse them in the boiling water for about 5 minutes to blanch. Once blanched, transfer the tomatoes to a bowl of cold water to cool, then peel off their skins and blend them into a smooth puree using a blender. Set this tomato puree aside for the sauce. -
Roast the Peppers:
Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (356 degrees Fahrenheit) and allow it to warm for about 10 minutes. In a wide skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic, sautéing until fragrant and soft. Introduce the chunks of green and red bell peppers to the skillet, sprinkling them with a teaspoon of salt, and roast until they become tender and slightly caramelized. -
Combine Ingredients:
Pour the prepared tomato puree into the skillet with the roasted peppers. Sprinkle the dried oregano over the mixture and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. After a minute, add the red chili powder, optional sugar, and additional salt to taste, stirring to integrate the flavors. -
Mix with Pasta:
If the sauce thickens too much, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. After simmering, incorporate the cooked penne pasta into the sauce, tossing to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the luscious marinara. -
Bake the Dish:
Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into a ceramic baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. -
Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve your Baked Penne Pasta with Roasted Peppers in Marinara Sauce warm, ideally paired with a classic Pizza Margherita for an unforgettable Italian-themed dinner.
Enjoy Your Meal!
This Baked Penne Pasta with Roasted Peppers in Marinara Sauce is a true celebration of flavors and textures, with the sweetness of the roasted peppers beautifully complementing the tangy tomato sauce, making each bite an exquisite experience. Enjoy your culinary journey with this recipe, which is sure to become a favorite in your household!
