Savory Penne Piperade with Peppers and Ham
Indulge in this flavorful Savory Penne Piperade, a delightful blend of colorful bell peppers, aromatic onions, and savory ham, perfectly combined with al dente penne pasta. This dish is not only visually appealing but also bursts with flavors, thanks to the fresh tomatoes and spices. Ideal for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends, it's a recipe that invites sharing and warms the heart. Elevate your meal with a sprinkle of manchego cheese and fresh parsley for a gourmet touch that will impress everyone at your table.
4
Servings
375
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Penne
4 cups (Cooked until al dente)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (For sautéing)
Green Bell Pepper
1 (Cored, seeded, and cut into penne-sized pieces)
Red Bell Pepper
1 (Cored, seeded, and cut into penne-sized pieces)
Yellow Bell Pepper
1 (Cored, seeded, and cut into penne-sized pieces)
Medium Onion
1 (Thinly sliced)
Garlic Cloves
3 (Thinly sliced)
Black Forest Ham or Canadian Ham
3 slices (Thinly sliced)
Bacon
1-2 ounces (Optional, diced if using)
Large Tomatoes
2 (Finely chopped with juices)
Hot Paprika
1-3 teaspoons (To taste)
Salt
to taste (For seasoning)
Black Pepper
to taste (Freshly ground for flavor)
Flat Leaf Parsley
1/2 cup (Chopped, for garnish)
Manchego Cheese or Sheep's Milk Cheese
1 ounce (Optional, grated for topping)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2
In a large non-stick sauté pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the green, red, and yellow bell peppers, along with the thinly sliced onion and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are fragrant and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
3
Stir in the black forest or Canadian ham slices, and bacon if using, cooking for an additional minute to combine the flavors.
4
Add the finely chopped tomatoes, hot paprika, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well and allow the sauce to simmer until the tomatoes break down and release their juices, resulting in a moist, saucy mixture, approximately 5-7 minutes.
5
Fold in the cooked penne, stirring to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, ensuring the pasta is warmed through.
6
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or hot paprika as desired—the dish should be vibrantly seasoned.
7
Remove the pan from heat and garnish with half of the chopped flat-leaf parsley. If using, grate the manchego or sheep's milk cheese on top.
8
Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining parsley for a fresh finish.
Nutrition Information
11.25g
Fat
45g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Penne Piperade with Peppers and Ham?
It is a flavorful pasta dish featuring al dente penne combined with a vibrant blend of colorful bell peppers, aromatic onions, garlic, and savory ham in a fresh tomato-based sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 375 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides about 15 grams of protein.
How much fat is in one serving of this penne dish?
There are 11.25 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
One serving contains 45 grams of carbohydrates.
How long should the penne be cooked?
The penne should be cooked in boiling salted water for about 8 minutes or until it reaches an al dente texture.
What type of bell peppers are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one green, one red, and one yellow bell pepper, all cored, seeded, and cut into penne-sized pieces.
What kind of ham is recommended?
You can use either Black Forest ham or Canadian ham, thinly sliced.
Is bacon required for this recipe?
No, bacon is an optional ingredient. If used, 1-2 ounces of diced bacon can be added for extra flavor.
What type of oil is best for sautéing the vegetables?
One tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil is recommended for sautéing the peppers, onions, and garlic.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
Two large tomatoes should be finely chopped, ensuring you include their juices.
What kind of paprika gives this dish its spice?
Hot paprika is used, with the amount ranging from 1 to 3 teaspoons depending on your taste preference.
Which cheeses are suggested for the topping?
Manchego cheese or any sheep's milk cheese is recommended as an optional grated topping.
How much parsley is needed for garnish?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of chopped flat-leaf parsley for garnishing.
What is the first step in preparing the sauce?
The first step is to sauté the sliced onions, garlic, and bell peppers in olive oil until they are fragrant and lightly browned.
How long should the tomatoes simmer?
The tomatoes should simmer for approximately 5 to 7 minutes until they break down and release their juices.
What should I do with the pasta after draining it?
After draining, rinse the penne under cold water to stop the cooking process before setting it aside.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe, making it suitable for a quick dinner or casual gathering.
How do I ensure the dish is properly seasoned?
Taste the mixture after adding the pasta and adjust with additional salt or hot paprika as desired to achieve a vibrant flavor.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 15 ingredients listed for this Savory Penne Piperade.
Can I substitute the Manchego cheese?
Yes, while Manchego is suggested, you can use another sheep's milk cheese or omit it entirely.
How should the garlic be cut?
The three garlic cloves should be thinly sliced for even distribution in the sauté.
How many onions are needed?
One medium onion, thinly sliced, is required for this recipe.
Is this dish traditionally Italian?
While it uses Italian-style pasta, the piperade and Manchego elements draw inspiration from Basque and Spanish cuisine.
What is the recommended serving temperature?
The dish should be served immediately while it is still warm.
What is the preparation for the bell peppers?
They should be cored, seeded, and cut into pieces that are roughly the same size as the penne pasta.
When do I add the parsley?
Half of the parsley is folded in after removing the pan from heat, and the rest is used as a final garnish.
Can I use regular paprika instead of hot paprika?
You can use regular paprika if you prefer a milder flavor, but hot paprika provides the intended signature kick.
How do I combine the pasta with the sauce?
Fold the cooked penne into the sauce, stirring to coat evenly, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil to ensure everything is heated through.