Casarecce Pasta

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❤️ Why you’ll love it

I love how the simple ingredients in this casarecce pasta recipe come together to make a rich and flavorful dish. The combination of onion, garlic, and bell pepper not only adds a beautiful color to the sauce but also provides a depth of flavor that is just delicious.

Using red wine in the sauce is a great way to add a complex and robust flavor to the dish. It is a simple trick that can take your pasta sauce from good to great.

Blending the sauce until smooth not only gives it a beautiful, velvety texture but also helps to marry all the flavors together. It is a step that I never skip, and I recommend you do the same.

🧾 Key ingredients

The ingredients for this casarecce pasta are simple and easy to find. You may already have many of them in your pantry!

Casarecce pasta is the star of this dish, with its short, rolled shape that is perfect for capturing the rich, tomato-based sauce. It’s satisfying and quick to cook, making it the perfect choice for a cozy night in.

Olive oil, onion, garlic, and bell pepper form the flavor base of this dish. They are sauté until they are soft and fragrant. This process is quick, but it is essential as it helps to build the incredible flavors of the sauce.

Tomato puree and red wine are the key to the rich, satisfying sauce. The tomato puree provides a quick, rich tomato flavor, while the red wine adds a depth of flavor that is perfect for cozy nights in.

Pasta water is the secret ingredient in this recipe. It helps to thicken the sauce and adds a subtle richness that is incredibly satisfying.

🛒 You can find detailed measurements for all ingredients in the printable version of the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

🥘 Equipment

To make this delicious casarecce pasta recipe, a good quality blender is essential. It will help you achieve a perfectly smooth and creamy texture for the sauce. I recommend using a high-speed blender like a Vitamix.

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Preparing the ingredients

STEP 1
Start by peeling and chopping the onion. Next, peel and mince the garlic cloves.

STEP 2
Wash the bell pepper, then slice it into thin strips.

Making the vegan casarecce pasta

STEP 1
Preheat a large frying pan or skillet on medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, or until they become translucent.

STEP 2
Next, add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

STEP 3
Add the sliced bell peppers to the pan. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper, then stir well. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the bell peppers have softened.

STEP 4
Add the oregano, basil, and parsley to the pan. Stir well to combine these ingredients with the bell peppers and onions. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

STEP 5
Pour the red wine into the pan. Allow the mixture to cook until nearly all of the liquid has evaporated, stirring occasionally.

STEP 6
Add the tomato sauce and a bit of reserved pasta water to the pan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

STEP 7
Then, transfer this sauce to a blender and blend it until it is smooth. Return the sauce to the pan.

STEP 8
Finally, add the pre-cooked casarecce pasta to the pan. Stir well to ensure that the pasta is fully coated in the sauce. Adjust the seasoning if necessary and serve.

💡 Expert tip

The key to this recipe is the pasta sauce. For the best flavor, do not rush the cooking process after adding the tomato sauce and wine. Let it simmer until the liquid is almost evaporated, and the alcohol has cooked off. This helps to concentrate the flavors, giving you a rich and aromatic sauce for your casarecce pasta.

🔄 Variations

Incorporate a variety of vegetables such as eggplant, steamed broccoli, zucchini, or mushrooms. This will not only add vibrant colors to your dish but also bring in a variety of textures and flavors, making it even more delicious and nutritious.

Make it a protein-packed meal with white beans or tofu. These ingredients not only add a good amount of protein to your meal but also contribute to the texture and flavor of the dish.

Are you a fan of spicy food? Add some cayenne peppers, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or even a bit more black pepper to your sauce.

🥣 Serving ideas

This casarecce pasta with bell pepper and tomato sauce is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It is a perfect main course for a variety of occasions.

For a simple and delicious weeknight dinner, I like to serve it with a side salad. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad is a great way to round out the meal.

If you are looking for a heartier option, consider serving this pasta alongside some crusty bread. A slice of homemade garlic bread or a few pieces of focaccia will be a delicious addition.

And if you want to take it to the next level, consider adding a sprinkle of vegan parmesan cheese or some toasted breadcrumbs on top. These simple additions will add a new layer of flavor and texture to the dish.

❄️ Storing tips

Storing and reheating vegan casarecce pasta is easy and the flavors even intensify over time as the pasta absorbs more of the delicious sauce.

To store, allow the dish to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer the pasta and the peperonata sauce to separate airtight containers. You can store the pasta in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The peperonata sauce can be refrigerated for the same amount of time.

I don’t recommend freezing the assembled dish as the texture of the vegetables and the pasta may become mushy when thaw. However, you can freeze the peperonata sauce. Just be sure to do so in an airtight container and consume it within 3 months.

To reheat, simply warm the pasta and the peperonata sauce in a pan over medium heat. If the sauce seems a bit dry, you can add a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen it up.

🤔 FAQs

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