Roasted Garlic and Basil Spaghetti with Grilled Bell Peppers

This delightful dish combines the robust flavors of roasted garlic, fresh basil, and sweet grilled bell peppers to create a vibrant and aromatic spaghetti. It’s a perfect meal for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, bringing together a harmonious blend of tastes and textures that will satisfy your palate.

Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 1 head of garlic
– 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
– 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 3 mixed bell peppers (red, yellow, green)
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bell Peppers:
– Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
– Wash the bell peppers and cut them into halves, removing the seeds and membranes.
– Lightly drizzle the bell peppers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
– Grill the bell peppers for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until charred and tender.
– Once done, set them aside to cool slightly, then chop them into bite-sized pieces.

2. Roast the Garlic:
– Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
– Peel away the outer layers of the garlic bulb, leaving the skins of the individual cloves intact.
– Cut about 1/4 inch off the top of the garlic bulb, exposing the tops of the cloves.
– Place the garlic bulb on a piece of aluminum foil, drizzle with a little olive oil and wrap it up.
– Roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes, until the cloves are soft and golden. Allow to cool, then squeeze the roasted garlic out of the skins and mash into a paste.

3. Cook the Spaghetti:
– Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt.
– Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente.
– Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.

4. Combine and Cook:
– In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
– Add the mashed roasted garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
– Add the chopped grilled bell peppers to the skillet and stir to combine.
– Toss in the cooked spaghetti and a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce.
– Add the chopped fresh basil and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
– Continue to cook, tossing the pasta until everything is heated through and well combined.

5. Serve:
– Divide the spaghetti among serving plates.
– Garnish with additional fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
– Drizzle with a bit more olive oil if desired, and serve immediately.

Enjoy this aromatic and flavorful Roasted Garlic and Basil Spaghetti with Grilled Bell Peppers, a colorful and delicious dish that celebrates the beauty of simple, fresh ingredients!