Sauteed Pepper Onion Pasta Recipe

This pasta dish brings together vibrant colors and fresh flavors with the perfect hit of cheesy goodness that never goes out of style. I love how the simplicity and ease of it keep me coming back for more, making it my go-to meal for a cozy night in.

I enjoy developing uncomplicated but tasty dishes, and my Pasta with Sautéed Peppers and Onions is an ideal example. This dish is suffused with the flavors of vivid red and yellow bell peppers, a big onion, minced garlic, and a mere whisper of dried oregano.

Red and yellow bell peppers are so vibrant and flavorful that they don’t even need to be sautéed to shine in a dish. And yet, if they may make an appearance in a dish I sautéed, then this is how I want them to be.

This flavor-packed dish is simple, colorful, and good for you. Finish it with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for an extra pop.

Ingredients

Pasta.

Has plentiful carbohydrates that supply energy for many forms of physical activity; it is the base of many meals.

Red bell pepper: a rich source of vitamin C, imparts sweetness and hue.

Garlic: Contains antioxidants, improves taste; promotes immunity.

Olive Oil: It is a source of fats that are good for you, and it gives a smooth texture and depth to the food.

Onion: Contributes sweetness and glutamate.

Nutrient profile: vitamins and fiber.

Ingredient Quantities

• 12 oz spaghetti or your choice of pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

1. Put a big pot of water seasoned with salt on to boil. When it reaches a rolling boil, add the spaghetti. Cook it according to the instructions on the package until it’s al dente. Reserve half a cup of the water the pasta was cooked in, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. In a big frying pan, warm the olive oil on a medium flame. Toss in the cut red and yellow bell peppers along with the onion. Stir and sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and the onion is see-through.

3. Minced garlic should be added to the skillet and sautéed for another 1 to 2 minutes, until fragrant.

4. Blend the dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper into the mixture. Make sure to combine thoroughly, or else you’ll get pockets of flavors that don’t meld together.

5. Incorporate the cooked pasta into the skillet, along with the vegetables, by tossing everything together.

6. Slowly add the reserved pasta water, about a tablespoon at a time, pouring in just enough to coat the pasta and enable the sauce to adhere to it.

7. Take the skillet off the heat and instantly add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the still-hot pasta, give it a good toss, and watch as the noodles become coated in an insane amount of cheesy goodness.

8. Adjust the taste and seasoning with more salt and black pepper as needed.

9. Add chopped fresh parsley for a splash of color and flavor.

10. Serve piping hot and take pleasure in your pasta with sautéed onions and peppers as a deliciously simple dish that makes for a pleasing meal.

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Strainer or colander
3. Measuring cup
4. Large frying pan or skillet
5. Wooden spoon or spatula
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Cheese grater
9. Measuring spoons
10. Serving plates or bowls

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of pasta?Certainly, any pasta can replace spaghetti in recipes: fettuccine, penne, linguine, or other shapes you enjoy. Only make sure to adjust your cooking times, as not all pasta cooks at the same rate.
• How do I ensure the pasta is cooked perfectly?Prepare the pasta in aggressively salted water, as you would for any dry pasta, and cook it according to the package directions until it is al dente. Before draining, save some of the starchy cooking water.
• Is it necessary to add red pepper flakes?Red pepper flakes are not mandatory. Put them in if you want a touch of warmth in your pasta; if you don’t, just omit them.
• Can I add other vegetables to the dish?Certainly! You may include vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor and also for some additional color.
• How do I adjust the consistency of the sauce?To adjust the sauce’s consistency, use the reserved pasta water. Add it a little at a time until you’ve hit the desired thickness for your sauce.
• What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?You can replace it with another hard cheese, such as Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano, or leave out the cheese entirely for a dairy-free option.
• Can this dish be made ahead of time?Although it is optimal to serve the dish fresh, you can make the mixture of vegetables in advance and reheat it with the pasta just before it is time to eat. This ensures the integrity of the sauce that accompanies the pasta; should the sauce thicken too much during the reheating, simply stir in some reserved pasta water (you are saving a cup or so just for this reason) to refresh it.

Substitutions and Variations

Fettuccine, linguine, or penne can take the place of spaghetti and provide a contrasting pasta texture.
Olive oil can be substituted with avocado oil or coconut oil, which results in a different flavor profile.
Red and yellow bell peppers: Substitute with orange or green bell peppers for a color and flavor variation.
Onion: For a milder flavor, slightly different, use shallots or leeks.
Parmesan cheese. Possible substitutes: Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano.

Pro Tips

1. Roast the Peppers for Extra Flavor Before adding them to the pan, consider roasting the red and yellow bell peppers under the broiler until their skins are charred. Then, peel off the skins and slice them. This adds a smoky depth to the dish.

2. Use Fresh Oregano if Available Substitute dried oregano with fresh oregano for a brighter, more aromatic flavor. Generally, you would need about 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh oregano.

3. Infuse the Oil with Garlic Start by gently heating the olive oil with the minced garlic before adding the onions and peppers. This will infuse the oil with a robust garlic flavor that permeates the entire dish.

4. Add a Splash of Lemon Juice A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving can enhance the flavors and add a refreshing zest that complements the Parmesan cheese.

5. Experiment with Cheese Variety While Parmesan is classic, you could mix it up by incorporating pecorino romano or a blend of hard cheeses for a slightly different flavor profile and texture.