If you’re searching for a hearty, nutritious, and flavor-packed pasta dish, Red Pepper White Bean Cellentani is your answer. This recipe combines the sweet smokiness of roasted red peppers with the creamy, protein-rich goodness of white beans. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this Mediterranean-inspired dish is as healthy as it is delicious.
The Story Behind the Recipe
This dish draws inspiration from the Mediterranean diet, celebrated for its vibrant flavors and health benefits. Combining roasted red peppers and white beans creates a satisfying balance of sweet and savory flavors, paired with the perfectly chewy texture of cellentani pasta.
Ingredients
Key Ingredients for Red Pepper White Bean Cellentani
- Red Bell Peppers: Freshly roasted for a smoky-sweet flavor.
- White Beans: Creamy cannellini beans add protein and texture.
- Cellentani Pasta: The spiral shape holds the sauce perfectly.
- Garlic and Onion: Essential aromatics for depth of flavor.
- Vegetable Broth: Adds a subtle savory base.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Swap cellentani for fusilli or penne.
- Replace white beans with chickpeas for a nuttier flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Ingredients
- Dice onions, mince garlic, and prepare vegetable broth.
- Roast red peppers until charred for a smoky flavor.
Roasting Red Peppers
- Place whole peppers under a broiler or on an open flame until charred.
- Remove skins, seeds, and stems before blending into a smooth sauce.
Cooking the Pasta
- Boil cellentani in salted water until al dente. Reserve pasta water to enhance the sauce.
Combining the Sauce and Pasta
- Sauté garlic and onion in olive oil, add roasted red pepper sauce and white beans. Toss with pasta and reserved pasta water for a silky finish.
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
Making It Vegan or Gluten-Free
- Opt for gluten-free pasta and ensure vegetable broth is vegan-certified.
Enhancing Flavors
- Add fresh basil, parsley, or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Variations of the Recipe
Adding Protein
- Include grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein.
Making It a Baked Pasta Dish
- Top with mozzarella and bake until golden and bubbly.
Storage and Reheating
How to Store Leftovers
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating Techniques
- Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or olive oil to retain moisture.
FAQs
Yes, but freshly roasted peppers offer a superior flavor.
Penne or rotini are excellent substitutes for cellentani.
Related Recipes
Chickpea Cream Cellentani
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Cellentani Pasta in Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce
Interested in a different roasted vegetable sauce? Try Cellentani Pasta in Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce.
Pesto Roasted Vegetable Cellentani
Craving even more roasted veggie goodness? Check out Vibrant Cellentani with Pesto and Roasted Seasonal Vegetables.
Red Pepper White Bean Cellentani
Ingredients
- 2 large red bell peppers
- 1 can 15 oz cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 12 oz cellentani pasta
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Roast the red peppers until charred, peel off the skins, and blend into a sauce.
- Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
- In a large pan, sauté garlic and onions in olive oil until fragrant.
- Add the red pepper sauce, white beans, and vegetable broth. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Toss in the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Stir until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Notes
- Roasting Tips: If you’re short on time, you can use jarred roasted red peppers, but freshly roasted peppers provide a deeper, smoky flavor that enhances the dish.
- Bean Substitutions: Cannellini beans work best for their creamy texture, but great northern beans or even chickpeas can be substituted if needed.
- Pasta Options: While cellentani is ideal for holding the sauce, you can swap it with fusilli, penne, or rotini based on availability.
- Vegan Variation: This recipe is naturally vegan if made with vegetable broth. Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
- Spice It Up: For a kick of heat, sprinkle in red chili flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Storage Advice: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to restore the creamy consistency.