Creamy Pink Mediterranean Penne Delight
Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of our Creamy Pink Mediterranean Penne Delight. This exquisite pasta dish combines the sweetness of fresh tomatoes and bell peppers with aromatic garlic and basil, all enveloped in a creamy, pink-hued sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an elegant gathering, this recipe is both quick to prepare and deeply satisfying. Pair it with a crisp salad and a sprinkle of coarse salt for an unforgettable dining experience. Experience the essence of Mediterranean cooking right in your own kitchen!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 medium (chopped)
olive oil
1 tablespoon
garlic cloves
4 (pressed)
tomatoes
1 lb (chopped)
red bell pepper
1 large (about 8 oz.) (chopped)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/8-1/4 teaspoon
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
vegetable stock or water
2-3 tablespoons (optional)
fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons (chopped)
penne pasta
1 lb
coarse salt
for serving
black pepper
for serving
Instructions
1
Prepare the sauce in advance for enhanced flavor; it keeps well in the fridge for up to two days.
2
Start by softening the chopped onion in a splash of water over medium heat in a skillet until translucent.
3
Add the olive oil and pressed garlic, sautéing them together while stirring regularly until the garlic turns golden and aromatic.
4
Incorporate the chopped tomatoes, red bell pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and season with salt and black pepper to your preference. Increase the heat and allow the mixture to bubble, then reduce to low and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until the bell pepper is tender.
5
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to boil, and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
6
Once the vegetables are well-cooked, transfer the mixture to a food processor and blend until smooth. For a smoother consistency, add vegetable stock or water as needed.
7
Return the blended sauce to the skillet and stir in the chopped fresh basil. Keep the sauce warm over low heat.
8
Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot. Pour the warm sauce over the pasta, tossing to coat evenly.
9
Serve immediately, garnished with coarse salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Pink Mediterranean Penne Delight?
It is an exquisite pasta dish that combines the sweetness of fresh tomatoes and bell peppers with aromatic garlic and basil, all enveloped in a creamy, pink-hued sauce.
What are the primary flavors of this dish?
The dish features rich and savory flavors from fresh tomatoes, red bell peppers, garlic, and fresh basil.
How is the sauce's pink color and creamy texture achieved?
The pink hue and creamy texture are created by simmering tomatoes and red bell peppers until tender and then blending them into a smooth consistency in a food processor.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as vegan and uses plant-based ingredients like olive oil, vegetables, and pasta.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly meal.
Can the sauce be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance to enhance the flavor.
How long can the sauce be stored in the refrigerator?
The sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to two days.
What is the first step in cooking the vegetables?
Start by softening the chopped onion in a splash of water over medium heat until translucent.
How should the garlic be prepared and cooked?
The garlic should be pressed and then sautéed with olive oil until it turns golden and aromatic.
What vegetables are included in the simmered mixture?
The mixture includes chopped tomatoes, red bell peppers, and chopped onions.
How long should the vegetable mixture simmer?
The mixture should simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until the bell pepper is tender.
What equipment is needed to make the sauce smooth?
A food processor is used to blend the cooked vegetable mixture until it is smooth.
What should I do if the blended sauce is too thick?
You can add 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable stock or water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
When do I add the fresh basil?
Stir the chopped fresh basil into the blended sauce after it has been returned to the skillet.
How should the penne pasta be cooked?
Cook the penne in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions until it is al dente.
What is the final step before serving?
Drain the pasta, pour the warm sauce over it, and toss to coat evenly.
How is the dish garnished?
Garnish the dish with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper.
What side dishes are recommended with this meal?
It is best paired with a crisp side salad for a complete meal.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal that is both fast to prepare and deeply satisfying.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe requires 13 ingredients in total.
What type of oil is used in this Mediterranean dish?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of olive oil.
Is there any spice or heat in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 4 pressed garlic cloves.
What type of pasta is specifically used?
The recipe uses 1 lb of penne pasta.
How is the onion prepared?
The recipe calls for 1 medium onion, chopped.
How many tomatoes are needed?
You will need 1 lb of chopped tomatoes.
What kind of pepper is used besides red pepper flakes?
The recipe uses both standard black pepper for seasoning and freshly ground black pepper for serving.
Can I use water instead of vegetable stock?
Yes, vegetable stock or water are both listed as optional ingredients for smoothing the sauce.
Is the salt added at the end the same as the salt used during cooking?
While salt is used during cooking, the recipe specifically suggests coarse salt for the final garnish.
What is the texture of the red bell pepper before blending?
The red bell pepper should be simmered until it is tender before being placed in the food processor.