PASTA WITH RED PEPPERS AND PINE NUTS

Pasta With Red Peppers And Pine Nuts image

Provided by Moira Hodgson

Time 35m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 red or yellow peppers
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 garlic cloves, peeled
1 pound ziti, penne or fusilli
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup fresh basil leaves, snipped with scissors
1/2 cup toasted pine nuts
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Steps:

Cut the peppers into quarters and place them face down on a broiling pan lined with aluminum foil. Broil until the skins are charred and puffy. Place the peppers in a brown paper bag, seal and cool. Skin the peppers and slice them in thin strips.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet and add the garlic cloves and the peppers. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring frequently.
Meanwhile, bring six quarts salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and place in a heated bowl.
Add the butter to the peppers and stir until melted. Add to the pasta and toss. Add the basil leaves, pine nuts and two tablespoons cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve. Pass the rest of the cheese separately.