Tagliatelle with white sauce and roasted peppers

Tagliatelle with white sauce and roasted peppers: a simple and delicious recipe from leftovers

When the fridge doesn't have much to offer, but you still want to cook something tasty, the recipe for tagliatelle with white sauce and roasted peppers is the perfect solution. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also an excellent way to use up leftovers from previous meals. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a delicious dinner, this recipe will surely be a hit!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 200 g tagliatelle
- 150 g smoked chicken pastrami (or any other preferred smoked meat)
- 1 medium onion
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 50 g butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 250 ml milk
- 5 g fresh basil (or dried if you don't have any)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 red bell peppers

A bit of history:
This recipe combines traditional cooking techniques with the ingredients we have on hand. The white sauce, similar to béchamel, is a versatile base that can be adapted to everyone's preferences. Roasted peppers add a sweet and smoky note, being a common ingredient in many dishes. Cooking with leftovers is an age-old practice that not only helps reduce food waste but also creates tasty and innovative meals.

Step by step for a perfect result:

1. Preparing the pasta:
Start by bringing a pot with 2 liters of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt, then when the water is boiling, add the tagliatelle. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. Roasting the peppers:
Meanwhile, take care of the peppers. Wash them well, dry them with a paper towel, and place them on a baking tray. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and roast the peppers for about 30 minutes. Check them periodically; if you notice they're browning too much, you can take them out earlier.

3. Preparing the white sauce:
In a skillet, melt half of the butter. Add the julienned onion and minced garlic. Let them cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes glossy and translucent. Add the pastrami cut into thin strips and sauté everything for 2-3 minutes.

4. Making the sauce:
After the pastrami is heated, add the remaining butter and flour, mixing well to form a roux. Gradually pour in the milk, continuing to stir to avoid lumps. Let the sauce simmer gently, then add the chopped basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook the sauce for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.

5. Assembling the dish:
In a large bowl, mix the pasta with the white sauce and pastrami. Serve everything on plates, adding the roasted peppers cut into strips on top.

Serving suggestions:
This dish is delicious served warm, but you can also add a fresh salad on the side for a refreshing contrast. Additionally, a bottle of dry white wine can perfectly complement this meal.

Vegetarian option:
If you want a vegetarian version, you can omit the pastrami and add vegetables like zucchini or sautéed mushrooms. You can also use marinated tofu to add protein.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can other types of pasta be used? Absolutely! Tagliatelle can be replaced with any other preferred pasta type, such as spaghetti or penne.
- Can I use peppers of a different color? Of course! Green or yellow peppers will add a different note, but the taste will still be just as delicious.
- How can I store leftovers? You can keep the food in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days and reheat it in the microwave or on the stove.

Nutritional information:
This recipe offers a good balance of carbohydrates from pasta, proteins from meat, and healthy fats from butter. The red bell pepper provides a significant amount of vitamin C, contributing to a healthy immune system.

In conclusion, the recipe for tagliatelle with white sauce and roasted peppers is a perfect example of how you can transform leftovers into a delicious and satisfying meal. The challenge of cooking with what you have on hand can become a pleasant and creative experience. So, next time you're wondering what to cook with leftover ingredients, try this simple and tasty recipe! Enjoy your meal!