Roasted Garlic and Basil Spaghetti with Grilled Bell Peppers

2024-07-28
Roasted Garlic and Basil Spaghetti with Grilled Bell Peppers

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!

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