Desert Fire Pasta
Ignite your taste buds with Desert Fire Pasta, a bold and vibrant dish that balances creamy indulgence with a fiery kick. This recipe features perfectly al dente penne pasta coated in a rich, spice-infused cream sauce bursting with the flavors of smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, and ground cumin. A medley of sautéed red, yellow, and jalapeño peppers brings a delightful mix of sweetness and heat, while fresh garlic and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese add depth and creaminess. Finished with a pop of fresh cilantro, this quick and easy 40-minute meal is perfect for spice lovers looking to add a little heat to their dinner table. Serve it warm, and prepare to turn up the heat on pasta night!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, diced red bell pepper
- 1 large, diced yellow bell pepper
- 2 medium, finely chopped jalapeño pepper
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1.5 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
- 4 quarts (for boiling pasta) water
Instructions
Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add a generous pinch of salt and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente (about 10-12 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced red and yellow bell peppers and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
Add the chopped jalapeño peppers and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the heat to release from the peppers.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Lower the heat to medium-low and pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine with the vegetables.
Sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to make sure the spices are evenly distributed.
Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together and the sauce thicken slightly.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, providing a rich and creamy texture.
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.
Serve the Desert Fire Pasta immediately, and enjoy the bold, spicy flavors!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1894 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 124.5 g | 160% | |
| Saturated Fat | 60.8 g | 304% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 280 mg | 93% | |
| Sodium | 2879 mg | 125% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 139.4 g | 51% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.3 g | 55% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.0 g | ||
| Protein | 41.0 g | 82% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 926 mg | 71% | |
| Iron | 7.1 mg | 39% | |
| Potassium | 1036 mg | 22% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
