Fettuccini With Sweet Peppers & Pine Nuts Recipe
Overview:
This pasta dish is an absolute delight, marrying the vibrant flavors of sweet peppers, savory pine nuts, and aromatic herbs with the comforting texture of fettuccini pasta. It’s not just a meal; it’s a culinary masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Best of all, it’s ready in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. Let’s dive into the recipe and unleash the magic!
Ingredients:
- 1 package (approximately 8 ounces) fettuccine pasta
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 yellow sweet bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red sweet bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 orange sweet bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup basil leaves, torn
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
- 1 tablespoon capers
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Sea salt, for seasoning
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cook the Fettuccine: Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente perfection. Once cooked, drain the pasta and return it to the pan to keep it warm while preparing the sauce. |
| 2 | Prepare the Sauce: In a large, heavy skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sliced sweet bell peppers to the skillet. Cook them for approximately 10 minutes, stirring continuously, until the peppers are tender and aromatic, and the garlic is fragrant. |
| 3 | Toast the Pine Nuts: Add the pine nuts to the skillet and continue cooking for about 4 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown color and become fragrant. Be sure to keep an eye on them as they can quickly burn. |
| 4 | Incorporate the Herbs: Gradually stir in the chopped parsley and torn basil leaves, allowing their fresh flavors to infuse into the sauce. |
| 5 | Add the Flavor Boosters: Introduce the chopped kalamata olives and capers to the skillet, stirring well to incorporate them into the sauce mixture. Let them heat through for a couple of minutes to release their briny goodness. |
| 6 | Season to Perfection: Season the sauce with freshly ground pepper and kosher salt according to your taste preferences. Remember, a pinch of sea salt can elevate the flavors even further, so feel free to sprinkle some over the dish before serving. |
| 7 | Combine and Serve: Transfer the warm cooked pasta to a serving bowl, then pour the flavorful sauce mixture over the pasta. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is evenly coated with the luscious sauce. Garnish with additional fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors with each delectable bite! |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 669.9
- Fat Content: 34.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 4g
- Cholesterol Content: 86mg
- Sodium Content: 2162.1mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 75.6g
- Fiber Content: 3.9g
- Sugar Content: 4.2g
- Protein Content: 17.4g
Tips and Variations:
- Make It Vegan: Simply omit the capers and use a vegan-friendly pasta option to make this dish suitable for vegans.
- Add Protein: Boost the protein content of this dish by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu cubes to the sauce.
- Play with Peppers: Experiment with different varieties of sweet bell peppers, such as green or purple, to add even more color and flavor to the dish.
- Go Nutty: Swap pine nuts with toasted almonds or walnuts for a delightful variation.
- Make It Spicy: For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or drizzle some chili oil over the finished dish.
- Serve with Garlic Bread: Pair this pasta with some crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the richness and vibrancy of this Fettuccini With Sweet Peppers & Pine Nuts recipe, where each forkful is a celebration of flavors and textures. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this dish is sure to impress with its simplicity and elegance. So gather your ingredients, don your apron, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving for more. Buon appetito! 🍝🌶️🌿
