This pasta caught my eye because it had peppers and mascarpone in it! We made this in July and at the time while I was putting together the meal plan that would feature this dish I knew that peppers were abundant on our CSA and that I had half a container of mascarpone in the refrigerator I needed to use up. Win - win! And another win because we both loved this dish! The peppers and onions really caramelize in the pan before you make the sauce and the flavor it builds is phenomenal.
Serves 4
Ingredients
2 red peppers, deseeded and sliced
2 yellow peppers, deseeded and sliced
extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper
2 red onions, peeled and finely sliced
2 cloves garlic, peeled and grated
2 handfuls fresh oregano, leaves finely chopped
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 handfuls Parmesan cheese, grated
2 heaped tbsp mascarpone cheese (optional)
1/2 lb penne
Directions
Put all the peppers in a large frying pan over a medium heat with a little olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Place a lid on, and cook slowly for 15 minutes until softened. Don't rush this too much, as cooking the peppers slowly like this really helps to bring out the flavour. Add the onion and cook for a further 20 minutes. Then add the garlic and toss around, keeping everything moving in the pan. Cook for about 3 minutes most. Have a little taste, and season with a bit more salt and pepper. Add the vinegar - it will sizzle away, so give everything a good toss. Then add one handful of the grated Parmesan and the mascarpone and turn the heat down to low while you cook the pasta.
Meanwhile put a large pot of salted water on to boil. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the packet instructions. When cooked, drain in a colander, reserving some of the cooking water. Put the peppers, pasta and oregano leaves into a large warmed bowl. Give them a good toss together, then add a little of the pasta cooking water and a few good lugs of extra virgin olive oil to coat the pasta nicely. Serve straight away sprinkled with the rest of the Parmesan.
It's Always Caturday
... watching what's going on outdoors
Dish sounds good and cats are always so curious.
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