Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound mezzapasta
- 2 red bell peppers, roasted and chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Blender or food processor
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Cook mezzapasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. While the pasta is cooking, place the red bell peppers on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the skin is charred and the peppers are soft.
4. Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool. Once cooled, remove the skin and seeds and chop the flesh into small pieces.
5. In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted red peppers, feta cheese, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
6. Drain the cooked mezzapasta and return it to the pot.
7. Pour the roasted red pepper and feta sauce over the mezzapasta and toss to coat.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 400°F
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Protein: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Mezzapasta can be substituted with any other pasta shape.
- Feta cheese can be substituted with goat cheese or queso fresco.
- Parsley can be substituted with basil or cilantro.
Variations:
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Substitute the roasted red peppers with sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to roast the red peppers until the skin is charred to get the best flavor.
- Reserve some of the pasta water to add to the sauce if it is too thick.
- This dish can be served hot or cold.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover mezzapasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, microwave the mezzapasta for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the mezzapasta in a large bowl or on individual plates.
- Garnish with additional chopped parsley or crumbled feta cheese.
Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley
- Crumbled feta cheese
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Greek salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, add more feta cheese or roasted red peppers to thicken it up.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the mezzapasta until al dente to avoid overcooking.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Food history:
- Mezzapasta is a type of pasta that originated in Italy and is similar to penne pasta.
Flavor profiles:
- This dish has a tangy and slightly sweet flavor from the roasted red peppers and feta cheese.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot or cold as a main dish or side dish.
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