Garlic red pepper pasta has a magical simplicity, and it’s the perfect example of Italian cuisine. The bold flavor of garlic blends beautifully with the sweetness of peppers, creating a rich and flavorful sauce. In less than half an hour, with just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can bring to the table a colorful, fragrant, and incredibly delicious dish. Perfect for a quick lunch or a tasty dinner, this recipe will win you over from the very first bite!
How to make garlic red pepper pasta
To prepare a delicious garlic and red pepper pasta, start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, in a high-sided pan, heat some oil over medium heat. Peel four or more cloves of garlic, clean the peppers, and cut them into bite-sized pieces, then slice the cherry tomatoes in half. Add everything to the pan along with fresh basil and a pinch of salt, then pour in half a glass of water and let it cook for about 5-10 minutes until the peppers soften. Once tender, blend the mixture with an immersion blender until smooth, and if you prefer an even silkier texture, strain it through a sieve. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, drain it, and toss it in the sauce until well coated. Serve the pasta hot and enjoy this simple yet flavorful dish!
Pick the right ingredients
When it comes to red peppers, the color doesn’t matter as much as the quality, so it’s best to choose organic ones for a fresher and more flavorful result. The same goes for garlic—organic garlic has a more intense and natural aroma that enhances the dish. For tomatoes, fresh organic cherry tomatoes are the ideal choice, as they add the perfect touch of sweetness and acidity. And finally, basil should always be fresh to bring out its full fragrance and elevate the sauce.
Tips and tricks
- If the garlic flavor is too strong for your taste, you can simply cook the garlic and remove it just before blending the sauce.
- Be careful not to overcook the garlic and pepper sauce—once the peppers have softened, it’s the perfect time to blend. Overcooking may result in a darker color and a heavier taste.
- Don’t be shy with the basil! Adding plenty of fresh basil enhances the fragrance and flavor of the dish without any downside.
How to store it
Storing cooked and seasoned pasta is not ideal, but if needed, you can keep it in the fridge for 1-2 days and reheat it in the oven with a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra flavor. Alternatively, the sauce itself can be easily stored in the freezer, ready to use whenever you need a quick and delicious meal.
Garlic Red Pepper Pasta
Ingredients
- 3 bell pepper
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 10 leaves fresh basil
- salt
- 10.5 oz short pasta
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
- In a high-sided pan, add the oil and set the heat to medium.
- Peel 4 or more cloves of garlic.
- Clean the peppers and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice the cherry tomatoes in half.
- Add the garlic, peppers, and cherry tomatoes to the pan.
- Season with fresh basil and salt.
- Pour in half a glass of water and let it cook for 5-10 minutes.
- Once the peppers have softened, blend everything with an immersion blender.
- For a smoother sauce, you can strain it through a sieve.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and toss it in the sauce until well combined
- Serve the pasta hot and enjoy!
