Description
The Silky Red Pepper and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Burrata Melt is an extraordinary dish that beautifully balances flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 jar (12 oz) roasted red peppers, drained (reserve 1 whole)
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil (or oil from sun-dried tomatoes)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- ⅓ cup toasted nuts or seeds (walnuts or pumpkin seeds)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider or champagne vinegar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons honey
- ¾ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs (basil, oregano, or parsley)
- 1 pound short pasta (like rigatoni or penne)
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 cup chopped fresh basil or Italian herbs
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chili flakes (optional)
- Burrata cheese balls, at room temperature
Instructions
- Start your culinary journey by blending the ingredients for the sauce. In a blender, combine the drained roasted red peppers, the toasted nuts of your choice, tomato paste, smashed garlic cloves, the extra-virgin olive oil, and the fresh herbs and vinegar. Add the honey for a touch of sweetness, along with the smoked paprika and optional cayenne pepper for a hint of heat. Season with a pinch of salt, then blend all the ingredients on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
- In a large pot, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Once melted, pour in the blended sauce and add about 3½ cups of water. Engage your senses as you bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add the pasta directly into the boiling sauce, ensuring that you stir often to prevent sticking. Cook for about 8 to 12 minutes, or until the pasta achieves that delightful al dente texture.
- Once the pasta is cooked to perfection, retrieve the reserved whole roasted red pepper and slice it into thin strips. Gently fold the pepper strips into the pasta along with the sliced sun-dried tomatoes, grated Parmesan, and chopped fresh herbs. Stir everything until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce, creating a dish that speaks of indulgence and heartiness.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more water or cooking it down; the recipe is highly flexible; don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs according to the season.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 650 per serving
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Protein: 18 grams