Did you know that the vibrant red peppers in this classic Italian pasta dish weren’t widely available in Italy until the 16th century? You’ll transform these New World imports into a velvety sauce that clings perfectly to every ridge of the penne pasta. Once you’ve mastered this simple yet sophisticated combination of sweet peppers and aromatic basil, you’ll discover why it’s become a staple in both rustic trattorias and modern kitchens worldwide.
Key Takeaways
- Blend roasted red peppers with fresh basil and olive oil to create a smooth, flavorful sauce for coating penne pasta.
- Cook penne pasta until al dente, then combine with pepper-basil sauce over medium heat, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
- The dish requires minimal ingredients: penne pasta, roasted peppers, fresh basil, olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and torn fresh basil leaves before serving immediately for the best flavor.
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container for up to one week in the refrigerator or freeze for longer storage.
History
While roasted red pepper and basil penne has become a beloved modern Italian pasta dish, its roots can be traced back to the sun-drenched farms of southern Italy in the early 20th century.
You’ll find that farmers would harvest abundant summer peppers and preserve them through roasting, creating a versatile ingredient that could be enjoyed year-round.
As Italian families immigrated to other countries, they brought this resourceful cooking tradition with them.
You’ll be interested to know that the dish evolved from a simple peasant meal to a restaurant favorite in the 1980s when Mediterranean cuisine gained international popularity.
The addition of fresh basil and quality Parmesan cheese elevated the humble pepper sauce into an elegant yet accessible pasta dish that’s now found on menus worldwide!
Recipe
Roasted red peppers and fresh basil combine to create a vibrant, flavorful pasta dish that’s both elegant and easy to prepare. The natural sweetness of the roasted peppers melds perfectly with the aromatic basil, while Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth to the finished dish.
This Mediterranean-inspired recipe requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor, making it an ideal choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The smooth, silky pepper sauce coats each piece of penne pasta, ensuring every bite is packed with taste.
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 16 oz jarred roasted red peppers, drained
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook penne according to package directions until al dente.
Meanwhile, combine roasted red peppers, half the basil leaves, and olive oil in a food processor; blend until smooth.
When pasta is done, reserve 1/2 cup of cooking water before draining. Return pasta to the pot, add the pepper sauce, and stir over medium heat until well combined, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
Season with salt and pepper, then top with remaining torn basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.
For best results, serve the pasta immediately while hot to enjoy the optimal texture and freshness of the basil.
If using fresh peppers instead of jarred, char them under the broiler until skin is blackened, then place in a sealed container for 10 minutes before peeling and seeding.
The sauce can be prepared up to three days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Avoid rinsing the cooked pasta, as the starch helps the sauce adhere better to the noodles.
Cooking Steps
You’ll start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil for your penne pasta.
While the pasta cooks to al dente perfection, you’ll blend together the vibrant roasted red peppers, fresh basil leaves, and olive oil until they form a smooth, aromatic sauce.
Once you’ve combined the hot pasta with your homemade sauce in the pot, you’ll finish this colorful dish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves!
Step 1. Boil Water for Pasta
To begin preparing this vibrant pasta dish, fill a large pot with 4-6 quarts of fresh, cold water and place it over high heat.
While you’re waiting for the water to boil, add 1-2 tablespoons of kosher salt – this is essential for perfectly seasoned pasta!
Watch for rolling bubbles to break the surface, which indicates your water has reached a full boil.
You’ll want the water to be vigorously bubbling before adding your penne. The perfect boil creates a gentle dance of pasta in the water, ensuring even cooking throughout.
Don’t add oil to the water – it’ll prevent the sauce from clinging to your pasta later.
Once you’ve reached a strong boil, you’re ready for the next exciting step of adding your pasta!
Step 2. Blend Sauce Ingredients Together
While your pasta water comes to a boil, let’s prepare the flavorful sauce that will coat each tender penne.
Add your drained roasted red peppers, half cup of fresh basil leaves, and 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil to your food processor’s bowl.
The vibrant peppers will create the perfect base for this rustic Italian sauce! Pulse the mixture until you’ve achieved a smooth, velvety consistency – about 30-45 seconds.
You’ll notice the sauce taking on a gorgeous orange-red hue as the ingredients blend together. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of olive oil and pulse again.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure every bit is perfectly blended. Your sauce is now ready to transform ordinary penne into something extraordinary!
Step 3. Return Pasta to Pot
Now that your sauce is ready, drain the al dente penne pasta in a colander – but don’t forget to reserve about 1/2 cup of that starchy pasta water first!
Return your steaming pasta to the warm pot and immediately pour in your vibrant roasted red pepper sauce.
Over medium heat, gently stir the pasta and sauce together until every piece is thoroughly coated. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water – this magical liquid will help create the perfect silky consistency you’re looking for!
Keep stirring until everything’s heated through and well-combined, usually about 2-3 minutes.
The sauce should cling beautifully to each piece of penne, creating an irresistible glossy finish.
You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta looks evenly coated and the sauce is gently bubbling.
Step 4. Mix Sauce With Pasta
Gently fold the roasted red pepper sauce into your hot penne pasta, watching as the vibrant orange-red sauce swirls and coats each tender piece.
Stir continuously over medium heat until every strand is evenly covered with the aromatic mixture. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water – you’ll see it transform into a silky coating that clings perfectly to the pasta!
Keep stirring for about 2-3 minutes to help the flavors meld together. The sauce should be loose enough to coat the pasta smoothly but thick enough to cling to each piece.
You’ll know it’s ready when the penne takes on a uniform, glossy appearance and the sauce bubbles gently around the edges of the pot.
Step 5. Garnish With Cheese and Basil
The final touches transform this pasta from delicious to spectacular! Now’s the time to add those finishing elements that’ll make your dish truly shine.
Take your freshly grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle it generously over the hot pasta, allowing it to melt slightly into the vibrant red pepper sauce.
Next, tear the remaining fresh basil leaves into bite-sized pieces and scatter them across the top. The warmth from the pasta will release the basil’s aromatic oils, creating an enticing fragrance that’ll make everyone’s mouth water!
For the perfect presentation, give the dish a final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and add an extra handful of Parmesan.
Don’t skip this garnishing step – these final touches aren’t just for looks; they add essential layers of flavor and texture to your finished dish.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or hosting friends for a casual Italian feast, this roasted red pepper and basil penne delivers restaurant-worthy results with minimal effort.
You’ll love how the vibrant sauce clings to every piece of pasta, creating the perfect balance of smoky peppers and aromatic basil in each bite!
Don’t hesitate to make this dish your own by adjusting the ingredients to your taste. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or toss in some sautéed vegetables for extra nutrition.
The versatility of this recipe means you can serve it year-round, using either fresh summer peppers or convenient jarred ones.
Remember to save any leftover sauce – it’s fantastic on sandwiches or as a dip for crusty bread!
