Description
A vibrant and flavorful pasta dish featuring cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and sweet corn, tossed in a garlic-infused olive oil sauce and finished with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
Vegetables & Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 roasted red peppers, sliced (jarred or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until they begin to soften and burst, releasing their juices.
- Add Roasted Peppers and Corn: Stir in the sliced roasted red peppers and corn kernels. Cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Season: Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using, adjusting to your taste preferences.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss all ingredients together, gradually adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and create a cohesive dish.
- Add Herbs and Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil or parsley, and Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve: Serve the pasta warm or at room temperature for a delightful and colorful meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the roasted red peppers with freshly roasted peppers for a smokier flavor.
- Frozen corn can be used in place of fresh; just thaw before adding.
- For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Reserve some fresh herbs for garnish to add brightness when serving.
