This quick and flavorful pasta dish combines the heartiness of rigatoni with a bright, homemade sweet pepper sauce. The vibrant red puree offers a mild sweetness that pairs perfectly with the salty, briny punch of chopped black olives. It’s a comforting yet fresh meal that comes together in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners. The simple ingredient list relies on pantry staples, yet the result is a sophisticated, restaurant-quality vegetarian main. Serve it as a standalone entrée or alongside a crisp green salad for a balanced, satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Pasta With Black Olives
Description
This quick and flavorful pasta dish combines the heartiness of rigatoni with a bright, homemade sweet pepper sauce. The vibrant red puree offers a mild sweetness that pairs perfectly with the salty, briny punch of chopped black olives. It&# 226;ÂÂs a comforting yet fresh meal that comes together in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners. The simple ingredient list relies on pantry staples, yet the result is a sophisticated, restaurant-quality vegetarian main. Serve it as a standalone entrée or alongside a crisp green salad for a balanced, satisfying meal that the whole family will love.Ingredients
Directions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
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Cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente.
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While the pasta cooks, place the red peppers in a saucepan with enough water to almost cover them.
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Bring the peppers to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until tender.
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Remove the peppers from the water, reserving the cooking liquid, and discard stems and seeds.
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Chop the cooked peppers and place them in a blender or food processor.
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Add the garlic cloves and 1 1/4 cups of the reserved pepper cooking water to the blender.
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Blend until the mixture is a smooth puree.
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Transfer the pepper puree to a clean saucepan.
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Season the sauce with salt and pepper, then reheat gently over low heat.
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Drain the cooked rigatoni immediately and return it to the still-warm pot.
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Toss the pasta with the olive oil.
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Season the pasta with salt and black pepper to taste.
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Serve the pasta on warmed plates, spoon the sweet pepper sauce over the top, and sprinkle with the chopped black olives.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 66.3kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 7.5g12%
- Saturated Fat 1.1g6%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 0.0mg0%
- Total Carbohydrate 0.0g0%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 0.0g
- Protein 0.0g0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water to refresh the sauce.
Variations: For added protein, toss in some grilled chicken or white beans. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
Tips: If the pepper sauce is too thick, add more of the reserved cooking water. If it's too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few minutes to reduce.