Are you ready to elevate your pasta game with a dish that bursts with flavor and color? Introducing the Roasted Pepper, Caper, and Mozzarella Pasta—a delightful Italian creation that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress your dinner guests! With its vibrant roasted red peppers, briny capers, and gooey mozzarella, this recipe is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that can be whipped up in just 30 minutes! Dive into this easy-to-follow guide and discover how to make a pasta dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 2 roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1/4 cup capers
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of your pasta of choice and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the roasted red peppers. If using jarred roasted peppers, drain and slice them into strips. If roasting your own, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), place whole red peppers on a baking sheet, and roast for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is charred. Once roasted, place them in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap for 10 minutes to steam. Peel off the skin, remove the seeds, and slice the peppers.
- In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 minced cloves of garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- To the skillet, add the sliced roasted red peppers and 1/4 cup of capers. Stir well and let cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Once the pasta is ready and drained, add it to the skillet with the roasted pepper and caper mixture. Toss everything together to combine, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to help create a light sauce.
- Next, add 1 cup of cubed mozzarella cheese to the pasta, stirring gently until the cheese begins to melt and coat the pasta. If the mixture seems dry, add more reserved pasta water as needed.
- Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference. Mix well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve the roasted pepper, caper, and mozzarella pasta warm, drizzled with a little more olive oil if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian dish!
Tips
- Choose Your Pasta Wisely: While any pasta will work, consider using shapes like penne or fusilli that can hold onto the sauce and ingredients better for a more satisfying bite.
- Roast Your Own Peppers: If you have the time, roasting your own red peppers adds a depth of flavor that jarred ones simply can’t match. Just remember to let them steam after roasting for easy peeling!
- Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water is your secret weapon for achieving the perfect sauce consistency. It helps bind everything together and adds a touch of starchiness.
- Experiment with Cheese: While mozzarella is classic, feel free to mix in other cheeses like parmesan or goat cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil not only adds a beautiful pop of color but also enhances the dish's aroma and flavor. Don't skip this step!
- Serve Immediately: This pasta is best enjoyed fresh and warm, so have your plates ready and serve right from the skillet for a rustic presentation.
- Pair with a Side Salad: Balance the richness of the pasta with a light side salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
