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!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the diced red and yellow bell peppers and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.

Step 4

Add the chopped jalapeño peppers and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the heat to release from the peppers.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 6

Lower the heat to medium-low and pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine with the vegetables.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together and the sauce thicken slightly.

Step 9

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.

Step 10

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, providing a rich and creamy texture.

Step 11

Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.

Step 12

Serve the Desert Fire Pasta immediately, and enjoy the bold, spicy flavors!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(4889.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2587.3

Total Fat 128.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 60.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 280mg	0%
Sodium 3257.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 282.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.9g	0%
Total Sugars 7.0g
Protein 64.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 752.8mg	0%
Iron 16.9mg	0%
Potassium 1819.1mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.4%

Protein: 10.2%

Carbs: 44.5%