Name: Fusion Tomato Pasta with Pesto & Crispy Peppers
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: italian
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (any shape); 1 cup concentrated tomato juice; 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought); 2 bell peppers (sliced into strips); 1 medium onion (diced)

Fusion Tomato Pasta with Pesto & Crispy Peppers

A delightful Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish that blends Italian pesto, Greek tomato flavors, and Mexican-style crispy peppers. This quick one-pan meal is bursting with fresh flavors and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for beginners looking for an impressive yet simple dinner.

25 min

Easy

4 servings

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Taste Profile

Sweet5/10

Salty6/10

Sour4/10

Umami6/10

Spicy1/10

🥄 Texture

Tender, saucy pasta with pockets of silky pesto coating each strand and a light oiliness from olive oil. Bell pepper strips and diced onion add a contrasting snap and slightly crispy edges against the soft pasta.

👃 Aroma

Herbaceous basil and garlic from the pesto are upfront, mingling with bright tomato notes from the concentrated juice. Warm roasted pepper and caramelized onion scents plus a hint of olive oil and savory cheese round out the bouquet.

🍷 Pairs Well With

A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Sangiovese works well; for a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a lemon twist complements the acidity and herb notes.

🥗 Side Dishes

Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette or arugula and shaved Parmesan, crusty garlic bread or bruschetta, and roasted or grilled vegetables (zucchini, eggplant) as a heartier accompaniment.

Instructions

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside, keeping 1 cup of pasta water.

While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced peppers and diced onion, cooking for 5 minutes until they start to soften and get slightly crispy at the edges.

Pour the concentrated tomato juice into the pan with the peppers and onions. Stir well and let it simmer for 3 minutes.

Add the cooked pasta to the pan and stir in the pesto until everything is well coated. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately in bowls, drizzling with extra olive oil if desired.