Are you craving a mouthwatering meal that's both quick to prepare and bursting with vibrant flavors? Look no further than this sensational Pasta with Red Pepper and Broccoli! In just 25 minutes, you'll transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds. This Italian-inspired recipe is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that proves gourmet cooking can be easy, healthy, and absolutely delectable.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, wash and chop the red bell pepper into small, uniform pieces. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add the chopped red bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften slightly.
- Add broccoli florets to the skillet and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The vegetables should be tender but still retain a slight crunch.
- When the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to help the ingredients combine.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea! This is your first chance to add flavor to the pasta.
- Don't overcook your vegetables. The key is to maintain a slight crunch, which adds texture and preserves nutrients.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy liquid helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients stick together.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
- If you want to make this dish more substantial, consider adding protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans.
- Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor, and don't rush the garlic sautéing process - low and slow prevents burning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
