smoky roasted red pepper pasta with whipped ricotta_____________________________Red pepper vodka sauce poured over thick rigatoni and stirred with fluffy whipped ricotta. Yum and a half.
Ingredients
- 3 red peppers *see note
- 1 lb short-cut pasta, such as rigatoni
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 4 tbsp salted butter
- 1 cup canned full fat coconut milk, or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fresh parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups kale, roughly torn
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta
Instructions
- Turn broiler to high. Set the red peppers on a baking sheet and broil for 15-20 minutes, turning 3-4 times, until all sides are charred and blackened. Set in a bowl and cover loosely with plastic wrap to "sweat" the peppers. When cool enough to handle (about 15 minutes for me, maybe longer for those who aren't dragons), peel off the skin and set in a food processor. Puree until smooth.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Saute the onion until translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes for an additional minute. Swirl in the tomato paste.
- Pour the vodka into the pan and reduce for about 2-3 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release any charred bits. Stir in the cider vinegar, butter, and coconut milk or heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and heat, covered, 15-20 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the parmesan and kale until the cheese melts and the kale wilts, about 5 minutes longer.
- Toss the pasta in with the sauce, adding pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Dump the ricotta into a food processor and whip until very creamy and smooth.
- Serve pasta with fresh herbs and a generous dollop of whipped ricotta.
Notes
* Jarred roasted red peppers may be substituted for fresh, if you want to save time. I recommend a 10 ounce jar.
* Vegetable broth may be used instead of vodka.