Penne with Peppers
Category: First Courses
Servings: 4
A simple and flavorful dish, Penne with Peppers combines vibrant red and yellow bell peppers with anchovies, basil, and a rich tomato sauce. The perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavors creates an irresistible pasta dish that will become a family favorite.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Penne Rigate | 320g |
| Red Bell Peppers | 275g |
| Yellow Bell Peppers | 275g |
| Anchovies in Olive Oil | 2 fillets |
| Tomato Passata | 200g |
| Fresh Basil | To taste |
| Brown Sugar | A pinch |
| White Onion | 80g |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~370 kcal |
| Protein | ~8g |
| Carbohydrates | ~55g |
| Dietary Fiber | ~5g |
| Fat | ~14g |
| Saturated Fat | ~2g |
| Sodium | ~600mg |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Vegetables and Sauté:
Begin by peeling and thinly slicing the white onion. In a large pan, heat a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the anchovy fillets (drained from their oil) and the sliced onion. Sauté them together, allowing the anchovies to dissolve and infuse the oil, and cook the onion until it becomes soft and translucent. This should take about 10 minutes. -
Prepare the Peppers:
While the onion is cooking, rinse the bell peppers under cold water. Cut off the stems, remove the seeds and inner filaments, and then chop them into small, bite-sized pieces. Once the onions are tender, add the chopped peppers to the pan. Stir and let them cook for about 15 minutes, until they soften. -
Add the Tomato Sauce:
Once the peppers are softened, pour in the tomato passata and a pinch of brown sugar. Stir to combine and allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 10 minutes. This helps meld the flavors together and creates a thick, flavorful sauce. For extra aroma, tear a few fresh basil leaves and add them to the sauce, reserving a few leaves for garnish. -
Cook the Pasta:
In the meantime, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne rigate and cook according to the package instructions, usually for about 10 minutes, until al dente. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve a small cup of pasta water before draining it. -
Combine and Serve:
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it directly to the pan with the pepper sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce to coat it thoroughly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to help it reach the desired consistency. -
Final Touches:
Serve the penne hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves. The balance of the sweet peppers, savory anchovies, and aromatic basil creates a deliciously comforting dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Enjoy your Penne with Peppers! This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering a fresh take on traditional Italian pasta recipes.
