Pepper And Pasta Gratin Recipes

CACIO E PEPE (CHEESE AND PEPPER PASTA)

Steps:

• Bring a 12-quart pot of heavily salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain pasta, reserving 2 cups of cooking water.
• Return pasta and cooking water to the pot over low heat. Add 3 1/2 cups Pecorino Romano cheese, butter, and pepper. Stir until cheese has melted and formed a creamy sauce, about 5 minutes. Season with salt.
• Serve with additional cheese, if desired.

YELLOW PEPPER ORZO GRATIN

Steps:

• In a 4-quart saucepan bring 3 quarts salted water to a boil for orzo.
• In a heavy saucepan simmer bell peppers in wine and broth with salt, covered, until tender, about 15 minutes. Remove lid and simmer until liquid is evaporated. Cool pepper mixture and in a food processor or blender purée with egg. Transfer pepper mixture to a large bowl.
• Preheat oven to 350° F. and lightly oil an 8-inch square baking pan with the oil.
• Cook orzo in boiling salted water until al dente and drain in a colander. Rinse orzo under cold water and drain well. Stir orzo into pepper mixture with scallions, chives, 1 tablespoon Parmesan, and salt and pepper to taste. Spread orzo in baking pan, smoothing top, and sprinkle with remaining tablespoon Parmesan. Gratin may be prepared up to this point 8 hours ahead and chilled, covered.
• Bake gratin in middle of oven 25 to 30 minutes, or until set and top is pale golden.

TUNA ARRABBIATA PASTA GRATIN

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large saucepan and fry the peppers for about 5 mins until starting to caramelise. Add the garlic and chillies, cook for 30 secs, then tip in the tomatoes and olives (if using). Season, add a pinch of sugar, bring to the boil, then simmer, uncovered, for 10 mins.
• Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to pack instructions. Heat the grill. Drain the pasta and mix into the tomato sauce, along with the tuna. Tip into a large ovenproof dish. Mix the breadcrumbs and Parmesan together and scatter over the top. Grill for 3-4 mins or until the topping is crisp and golden. Serve with a green salad, if you like.