This was such a delightful weekend – we had absolutely nothing to do! After the craziness of the holiday season we look forward to a time when schedules are much more relaxed and the most pressing decision is what’s for supper? This was another go to the pantry and fridge and see what’s available suppers! Sometimes those are the best kind! Penne pasta, walnuts, sun-dried tomatoes, croutons, red onion and red pepper flakes from the pantry; an orange pepper, pepperoni and mozzarella cheese from the fridge. Ritchey declared this one of my best pasta dishes ever!
- 3/4 pound penne pasta
- salt
- olive oil
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 orange pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 30 pepperoni
- 1 cup of walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1 cup of sun-dried tomatoes
- pinch of red pepper flakes, or more
- parsley
- 1/4 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup croutons, crushed
Bring a large pan of water to boil. Add a handful of salt and the pasta – cook according to package directions. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle olive oil. Add onions and saute about five minutes. Add pepper and garlic and saute for an additional two minutes. Add the pepperoni, walnuts, sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes and cook an additional two or three minutes. Mix well. Remove from heat. Stir in the pasta and parsley. Top with mozzarella cheese and croutons. Put under the broiler for just a few minutes – until cheese melts. Enjoy!
What no fruit? Kidding looks fantastic!
Hey, if you want to get technical, I think the sun-dried tomatoes should count as a fruit! 😉
This sounds great, Phyllis. When I make pizza, I always put some pepperoni aside for later use in some pasta dish. I’ve used crushed croutons for a baked chicken coating but never thought to use them to top off a pasta dish — until now, that is. Thanks for the idea!
You’re very welcome! I was just in the mood for a little crunch in the pasta – hence the walnuts AND crushed croutons!
I love (what we call around here) Fridge-Cleanout Casseroles…you come up with such good combinations sometimes that they become regular meals…
If you can remember what you did!
I nominated you for a Kreativ Blogger award yesterday. Just so’s you knows! 😀
Thank you, Marie, for the award! I made my first six months of the food blog into a cookbook for Linton and Kate – and probably will the next six months – at least I will have the recipes in one spot within easy reach!
That is truly using what’s on hand!! Love the crutons!! Kinda like adding a breadcrumb topping but in chunks!! I bet it tasted amazing!!
The crushed croutons really added depth, taste and crunch! Who knew?
This just isn’t pasta, it’s pasta from heaven! Great recipe.
Thank you!
Hello Phyllis
Great recipe!
Would you like to answer these questions? http://bluejellybeans.wordpress.com/2012/01/19/very-special-times/.
Greetings!
Giovanna, I just answered these same questions from Linda at Savoring Every Bite – I guess they are making the rounds! You can see my answers in my post from yesterday! Thank you for thinking of me!
sorry i am late.. is there any left!! those walnuts and sundried tomatoes must have hit the spot! c
Celi, it’s been long gone – but I can whip up another!