Penne Pasta in Roasted Carrot Sauce with Olives
Indulge in a delightful Italian experience with our Penne Pasta in Roasted Carrot Sauce, enhanced with the briny goodness of olives. This vegetarian dish offers a vibrant and satisfying meal, perfect for dinner gatherings or a cozy night in. With its creamy texture and savory flavors, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Penne pasta | 300 grams |
| Tomatoes, chopped | 4 |
| Carrots, peeled and finely chopped | 3 |
| Garlic, finely chopped | 6 cloves |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Red chili powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red chili flakes | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | 1/4 cup |
| Black olives (or a mix of green and black) | 1/4 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 320 |
| Protein | 10 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 50 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 grams |
| Fat | 10 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 2 grams |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking the penne pasta. In a large pot, fill it with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add a teaspoon of salt to the water. Gently add the pasta and allow it to cook until it reaches an al dente texture, which should take about 12-15 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process. Drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil over the pasta, ensuring each piece is well coated to prevent sticking. -
-
Prepare the Roasted Carrot Sauce:
In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant. Next, incorporate the chopped carrots into the pan, sprinkle with salt, and roast them until they soften, stirring occasionally. This should take around 10-12 minutes. -
Add Tomatoes and Seasoning:
After the carrots are cooked, add the chopped tomatoes to the pan. Allow the mixture to simmer until the tomatoes break down and soften, about 5-7 minutes. Season the mixture with red chili powder, red chili flakes, and dried oregano, stirring well to combine. Let this simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes, then turn off the heat. -
Blend the Sauce:
Once the roasted carrot and tomato mixture has cooled slightly, transfer it to a blender or food processor. Blend until you achieve a smooth consistency, creating a luscious pasta sauce. -
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
In a large wok or skillet, reheat the pureed roasted carrot sauce over medium heat. Add the cooked penne pasta and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. -
Finish and Serve:
Transfer the Penne Pasta in Roasted Carrot Sauce to a serving bowl. Sprinkle the dish with chopped olives and grated Parmesan cheese, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve hot, accompanied by a delightful Fennel Pesto Pull-Apart Bread and a refreshing Apple and Ginger Cocktail for a complete dining experience.
This Penne Pasta in Roasted Carrot Sauce not only brings a burst of color to your plate but also a depth of flavor that is both comforting and satisfying. Enjoy this recipe as a perfect centerpiece for your next dinner gathering or as a special treat during the week!
