One-Pot Spicy Tomato and Bell Pepper Pasta
A vibrant one-pot pasta dish featuring sautéed bell peppers and a spicy tomato sauce, perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic cloves, red pepper flakes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced into 1/2-inch cubes red bell pepper
- 1 medium, diced into 1/2-inch cubes yellow bell pepper
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/3 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced red bell pepper and 1 diced yellow bell pepper, sauté for 5 minutes until softened and edges begin to caramelize.
- Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Pour in 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes and 2 cups vegetable broth, stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Step 4: Add 8 oz penne pasta, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the skillet. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly distributed. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spicy Tomato and Bell Pepper Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Spicy Tomato and Bell Pepper Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Spicy Tomato and Bell Pepper Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Spicy Tomato and Bell Pepper Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is One-Pot Spicy Tomato and Bell Pepper Pasta vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
