Linguine with Red Bell Peppers and Kalamata Olives Recipe

Linguine with Red Bell Peppers and Kalamata Olives Recipe

  • 8 ounces linguine
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 large red bell peppers (14 to 16 ounces), stemmed, seeded, cut into 1/3-inch cubes
  • 16 Kalamata olives, pitted, quartered
  • 3 large garlic cloves, pressed
  • 1/4 teaspoon (generous) dried crushed red pepper
  • 1 1/4 cups chopped fresh basil, divided
  • 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese plus additional for passing
  • 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
  1. Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite. Drain, reserving 1 cup cooking liquid.
  2. Meanwhile, heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add bell peppers, olives, garlic, and crushed red pepper. Sauté until bell peppers are tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Add pasta, 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking liquid, 1 cup basil, 1 cup cheese, and vinegar. Toss until sauce coats pasta, adding more reserved cooking liquid by 1/4 cupfuls if dry, about 1 minute. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to bowl. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup basil and serve, passing additional cheese.