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!