Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Pasta

$- Main Ingredients for Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Pasta - 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli works well) - 1 cup roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade) - 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed - ¼ cup tahini - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - Optional Toppings and Garnishes - Fresh basil, for garnish - Crumbled feta cheese or nutritional yeast for toppings I love how simple this dish is. The main ingredients come together to create a creamy and flavorful sauce. The roasted red peppers bring a sweet, smoky taste. Chickpeas add a nice creaminess and protein. When I prepare this dish, I focus on quality. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients makes a big difference. If you have homemade roasted red peppers, they work great! If not, jarred ones are perfect. For toppings, I often add fresh basil. It adds a bright, herbal note. Crumbled feta cheese gives a nice salty kick. Nutritional yeast is a tasty vegan option if you want a cheesy flavor without dairy. This recipe is versatile. You can swap in different pastas or toppings based on what you have. Enjoy the process of making this dish and feel free to get creative! {{ingredient_image_1}} How to Properly Cook Al Dente Pasta To cook pasta al dente, start by boiling a large pot of salted water. The salt helps the pasta taste better. Add your pasta and check the package for cooking time. Usually, it takes about 8 to 12 minutes. Stir the pasta occasionally to keep it from sticking. When the pasta is firm but not hard, it's done. This is al dente. Tips for Reserving Pasta Water Before draining your pasta, save about ½ cup of the cooking water. This starchy water helps the sauce stick later. Pour it into a measuring cup or bowl. You can use it to adjust your sauce later if it’s too thick. Blending Techniques for a Creamy Consistency To make the hummus sauce, place roasted red peppers, chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a blender. Blend on high until it’s smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, slowly add some reserved pasta water. Blend again until it’s creamy. Adjusting Flavor with Seasoning Taste your sauce before mixing it with the pasta. If it needs more flavor, add a pinch of salt or pepper. You can also add extra lemon juice for a tangy kick. Adjust until you love the taste. Best Practices for Mixing Once your pasta is cooked and drained, put it back in the pot. Pour the hummus sauce over the pasta. Use a spatula or tongs to gently toss everything. This ensures every piece of pasta gets coated. Ensuring Sauce Sticks to Pasta If the sauce is too runny, add a bit more reserved pasta water to thicken it. Mix well until the sauce clings to the pasta. This makes every bite full of flavor. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in taste. Choose ripe red peppers for the best flavor. If you can, roast them yourself. Fresh garlic also adds a nice kick. To roast red peppers, start with whole peppers. Place them on a baking sheet. Set your oven to broil. Roast them for about 20 minutes. Turn them every five minutes until the skin is charred. Once done, place them in a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. This will help loosen the skin. After about 15 minutes, peel the skin off. Now, you have perfectly roasted red peppers ready for your hummus. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Always check the cooking time on the package. Cook until al dente, which means firm to the bite. This helps the pasta hold up in the sauce. Another mistake is not adjusting the sauce consistency. If your hummus sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water. This will help it coat the pasta better. Aim for a creamy texture that clings to each piece of pasta. Pro Tips Use High-Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your hummus sauce greatly depends on the quality of the roasted red peppers and tahini. Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best taste. Adjust Consistency: If your hummus sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired creaminess. This will help the sauce cling better to the pasta. Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs! While fresh basil is a great garnish, you can also try parsley, cilantro, or arugula for a unique twist. Meal Prep Friendly: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat before serving for a quick meal! {{image_2}} Alternative Pasta Choices You can use different pasta types for this dish. Whole wheat pasta adds fiber and flavor. Gluten-free pasta is great for those with diet needs. You can also try spiralized veggies for a lower-carb option. Zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash work well too. Creating a Vegan Version This pasta is easy to make vegan. Just skip the feta cheese or use a plant-based version. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy taste without dairy. You can also add more veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. Adding Spices or Other Vegetables Spices can make this dish pop. Try adding red pepper flakes for heat. You can also mix in fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a fresh taste. Roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant blend well too. Incorporating Proteins Adding protein makes this meal filling. Grilled chicken or shrimp adds a nice touch. For a plant-based option, toss in some cooked lentils or tofu. These proteins mix well with the creamy hummus sauce and enhance the flavor. Refrigeration Tips and Shelf Life Store any leftover Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Pasta in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool down before sealing it. This helps keep the pasta fresh and tasty. Freezing Suggestions You can freeze this dish, but it may change texture. Place it in freezer-safe containers. It can last up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. How to Reheat Without Compromising Flavor To reheat, use a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist. Stir gently until warmed through. This method helps keep the flavors bright and fresh. Quick and Easy Reheating Methods You can also use the microwave for quick reheating. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it loosely with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. This way, you avoid overcooking and keep the taste intact. Making roasted red pepper hummus is simple and fun. Here’s a quick recipe: - 1 cup roasted red peppers - 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed - ¼ cup tahini - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika 1. Put all the ingredients in a blender. 2. Blend until smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a bit of water. 3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. This hummus is great for pasta, wraps, or as a dip! Yes, you can use store-bought hummus. Here are some pros and cons: Pros: - Saves time in the kitchen. - Many brands offer tasty options. Cons: - Store-bought may not have the same fresh flavor. - Some brands add preservatives you may want to avoid. If you are in a rush, go for store-bought. Just check the label for quality ingredients. Roasted red pepper hummus pasta pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Mixed Green Salad: Light and fresh, it balances the creamy pasta. - Grilled Veggies: Adds a nice smoky flavor that complements the dish. - Garlic Bread: A crunchy side that everyone loves. - Roasted Chickpeas: For extra protein and crunch, sprinkle them on the side. These sides make your meal more colorful and exciting! In this blog post, we explored how to make Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Pasta. We detailed the main ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips to enhance flavor. You learned about common mistakes to avoid and variations for different diets. Storing and reheating instructions ensure your meal stays fresh. I hope these insights inspire you to create this tasty dish. With simple steps and fresh ingredients, you can impress anyone at your table. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Pasta

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish made with roasted red pepper hummus, perfect for a quick meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
1 cup roasted red peppers
1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
¼ cup tahini
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
to taste salt and pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
for garnish fresh basil
optional crumbled feta cheese or nutritional yeast for toppings

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted red peppers, chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
In the pot you used for the pasta, add the drained pasta back in. Pour the roasted red pepper hummus sauce over the pasta and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly, adding more reserved pasta water as necessary to help the sauce adhere.
Once well mixed, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and crumbled feta cheese or nutritional yeast on top if desired.
Enjoy this dish warm or at room temperature.

Notes

This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile choice for any meal!

Keyword hummus, pasta, quick meal, vegetarian