Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Smoky Tomato, Roasted Red Pepper & Arugula Pasta

Posted by Cassie / 63 comments » / Main Dishes, Pasta, Rice/Pasta, Vegetarian, Veggies

Smoky Tomato, Roasted Red Pepper & Arugula Pasta

I don’t know about you, but I am swimming in some tomato love over here!  If you are visiting for the first time, Ali of Gimme Some Oven and I are hosting an 8-week Tomato Love Recipe Exchange celebrating all things tomato and we have some great giveaways to go along with it.  Week 1 was all about tomato appetizers.  Week 2 is tomato dips and salsas and we have had some great entries so far.  Click here to share your favorite tomato dip or salsa and enter to win a 12-cup Cuisinart Food Processor!

Smoky Tomato, Roasted Red Pepper & Arugula Pasta

We have truly loved getting to share some great tomato recipes but the real reason behind this recipe exchange is awareness.  Ali and I feel passionate about a campaign being sponsored by the International Justice Mission (IJM) that is helping to bring awareness to consumers about tomatoes.  90% of our country’s off-season tomatoes are farmed in Florida which has been recently called “ground zero” for modern-day slavery.  It’s heartbreaking to learn that this is happening right here, to our neighbors, but even more so that so many of us have no idea that it’s happening.

So IJM, along with many others, has been working tirelessly to bring awareness to this issue.  Thousands have been freed from slavery and tomato farmers have developed zero-tolerance programs for slavery, child labor, etc.  They fight for fair wages and safe working conditions.  Fast food companies and many grocery stores are already on board with this Fair Food program.

I sincerely encourage you to visit the Recipe for Change page to learn more about how you can be a part of this initiative.   With your love of food, you can help advocate for those who need us most!  By banding together, we hope to make a difference all over the country, and the world.

Smoky Tomato, Roasted Red Pepper & Arugula Pasta

So why not celebrate with some more #TomatoLove?  I made a quick tomato and roasted red pepper pasta in a spicy, smoky sauce.  I am a little bit obsessed with smoked paprika these days and it becomes the star flavor in this dish.  It’s quick, healthy and I love the fresh flavors!

This topic is a little heavier than my normal rants and ramblings but it has become very important to me to bring awareness to social justice issues.  I have been very encouraged by all of the support, the tweets, comments, emails from all of you getting behind this initiative.  Thank you, so very much for reaching out to simple love others! 

 Micah 6:8 …It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love… (The Message)

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Smoky Tomato, Roasted Red Pepper & Arugula Pasta

Yield: 2 Servings

Total Time: 20 minutes

Fresh veggies and pasta with smoky seasonings and fresh mozzarella.

Ingredients:

8 ounces pasta
2 tsp. olive oil, divided
1 shallot, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, divided
1 tsp. smoked paprika
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
2 cups fresh arugula
2 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, diced
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Cook pasta according to package directions, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water.

While the pasta cooks, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic and cook until soft and fragrant, about 6 minutes. Add the tomatoes, roasted red peppers, half of the basil, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, salt and pepper and stir to combine. Let the mixture cook for another 5-6 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften.

Add the arugula to the pan and drizzle the remaining 1 teaspoon olive oil over the arugula. Stir it to combine and cook until the arugula wilts. Turn the heat to low and stir in the mozzarella cheese. Add the cooked pasta and the pasta water and stir until combined. Top with Parmesan cheese.

Posted by Cassie on July 18, 2012
63 Comments »
 

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63 Responses to “Smoky Tomato, Roasted Red Pepper & Arugula Pasta”

  1. 1

    Joanne — July 18, 2012 @ 6:42 am

    I have become MAJORLY obsessed with smoked paprika also! That stuff oomphs up everything it touches. Love the sound of this pasta!

    • Cassie replied: — July 19th, 2012 @ 10:42 am

      I love that word, oomph, using it from now on!

  2. 2

    Kathryn — July 18, 2012 @ 6:54 am

    I’m another paprika-obsessive! I’m really craving a bowl of this pasta right now.

    • Cassie replied: — July 19th, 2012 @ 10:42 am

      It is perfect in pasta!

  3. 3

    Jennifer | Mother Thyme — July 18, 2012 @ 7:29 am

    Love this pasta dish! It is bursting with such wonderful flavor! Thank you for bringing awareness to this important cause!

  4. 4

    Heidi @ Bits of Sunshine — July 18, 2012 @ 7:39 am

    Cassie – I love what you and Ali are doing! Its so nice to make people aware of anothers plight! Its an added bonus that we get too see just how versatile tomatoes are. I love pasta and cooked tomatoe, its such a comforting combo.

  5. 5

    Jessica@AKitchenAddiction — July 18, 2012 @ 8:12 am

    I love the flavors in this! This needs to make an appearance at my house soon!

  6. 6

    claire @ the realistic nutritionist — July 18, 2012 @ 8:21 am

    Oh my gosh. This looks incredible and such beautiful photos Cassie!

  7. 7

    Kate — July 18, 2012 @ 8:36 am

    The tomatoes are just brilliantly sweet and fresh this year, I’m happy to see you love them as much as I do. This pasta looks and sounds fantastic!

    • Cassie replied: — July 18th, 2012 @ 10:50 am

      Oh yes, I am a big tomato love, but haven’t always been. I started eating them in college and now I can’t get enough!

  8. 8

    Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious — July 18, 2012 @ 8:40 am

    I’m really enjoying all this #tomatolove! And this recipe here is just amazing. I love how you use up such fresh ingredients!

    • Cassie replied: — July 18th, 2012 @ 10:49 am

      Thanks so much Chung-Ah!

  9. 9

    Bev @ Bev Cooks — July 18, 2012 @ 8:43 am

    Mama mia, Lordy Lou I WANT IT.

    • Cassie replied: — July 18th, 2012 @ 10:49 am

      Let’s trade: vegetarian pasta for lobster, that’s fair, right?

  10. 10

    Deborah — July 18, 2012 @ 8:50 am

    I love that you are using your platform and voice as a blogger to bring awareness to this issue. I need to do more!! And this pasta looks incredibly inviting and I’d love a big bowl!!

    • Cassie replied: — July 18th, 2012 @ 10:49 am

      Thanks so much Deborah!

  11. 11

    Cookin' Canuck — July 18, 2012 @ 8:50 am

    Thanks so much for the info about Recipe for Change and bringing this important issue to light. I’ll definitely be checking out this site. This pasta really caught my attention on Twitter and now that I see it, I must make it!

    • Cassie replied: — July 18th, 2012 @ 10:49 am

      Thanks for the support Dara!

  12. 12

    SMITH BITES — July 18, 2012 @ 9:01 am

    great cause to get behind – really wish i had time to participate but am committed to about a bazillion projects at the moment. i read about the tomato harvesting practices in Florida about 3-4yrs ago – it disturbed me so much that i quit buying tomatoes from Florida – it’s an important issue so kudos to you.

    now this sauce is also something i can get behind – smoked paprika is probably in my top 5 spices of those i use most often – great dish!

    • Cassie replied: — July 18th, 2012 @ 10:48 am

      I totally understand not being able to commit right now, but thank you for your encouragement!!

  13. 13

    Erin @ Texanerin Baking — July 18, 2012 @ 9:13 am

    It’s great that you’re bringing awareness to this topic.

    And I love that shape of pasta. I have no idea what it is but it looks really nice and I’m sure it’s tasty! And what a colorful dish. Nice!

    • Cassie replied: — July 18th, 2012 @ 10:48 am

      Thanks Erin, the pasta is called orecchiette, and they are my absolute favorite too!

  14. 14

    Holly — July 18, 2012 @ 9:53 am

    I think it’s so wonderful your bringing out awareness about this. I had no clue!!
    This pasta looks delish!

    • Cassie replied: — July 18th, 2012 @ 10:47 am

      Thanks Holly!

  15. 15

    Laura (Tutti Dolci) — July 18, 2012 @ 10:28 am

    You had me at smoky tomato! I bet this would be amazing with smoked mozzarella also. Love your dishes! :)

    • Cassie replied: — July 18th, 2012 @ 10:47 am

      You are so sweet Laura! Thank you!

  16. 16

    Carrie @ Bakeaholic Mama — July 18, 2012 @ 10:33 am

    Oh I love it! I’m obsessed with smoked paprika as well. I picked up a small jar a month ago, it’s almost gone. I use it in so many things! This pasta looks…. amazing!

    • Cassie replied: — July 18th, 2012 @ 10:44 am

      I do too, thanks Carrie!

  17. 17

    sally @ sally's baking addiction — July 18, 2012 @ 10:49 am

    I’ve seen so many veggie pasta dishes lately, but the addition of roasted red peppers has this one standing out in my mind. Leave it to you, Cassie. And thank you for bringing awareness to this!

    • Cassie replied: — July 19th, 2012 @ 10:43 am

      Your comments are just too sweet Sally!

  18. 18

    Jackie @ The Beeroness — July 18, 2012 @ 1:10 pm

    I love what you ladies are doing and I LOVE this pasta. I can’t stop myself from roasting tomatoes on a near daily basis.

    • Cassie replied: — July 19th, 2012 @ 10:44 am

      Thanks for the encouragement Jackie!

  19. 19

    Averie @ Averie Cooks — July 18, 2012 @ 1:23 pm

    smoky tomatoes & roasted red peppers…perfect!

  20. 20

    Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet — July 18, 2012 @ 1:43 pm

    I was just talking to my Hubs about making some pasta dish! This one is perfect! Thanks, Cassie!

    • Cassie replied: — July 19th, 2012 @ 10:44 am

      Thanks Anna, hope you enjoyed your pasta!

  21. 21

    Steve @ the black peppercorn — July 18, 2012 @ 1:58 pm

    I’ve been away for a couple weeks and now getting caught up with some of my fellow bloggers. IJM is a wonderful ministry and they do great work. Thank you for using your blog as a platform to bring this issue to light.

    On top of that, your pasta dish rocks Cassie!

    • Cassie replied: — July 19th, 2012 @ 10:45 am

      Thank you for the encouraging words Steve!

  22. 22

    Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar — July 18, 2012 @ 2:42 pm

    This is such a quick and fun meal! Looks yummy!

  23. 23

    Meghan — July 18, 2012 @ 3:18 pm

    You girls are doing a great job with this & I love the pasta!

  24. 24

    Kiersten @ Oh My Veggies — July 18, 2012 @ 3:37 pm

    Smoked Paprika is one of my favorite ingredients. I’m a vegetarian, so I love that smoky flavor it gives dishes–without adding bacon or sausage. Yum.

    Great post too. It’s important to know not only WHERE our food comes from but how it’s harvested too.

  25. 25

    Colleen, The Smart Cookie Cook — July 18, 2012 @ 4:44 pm

    This looks so delicious! You used my favorite kind of pasta, plus I love the smokiness. It’s the perfect summer pasta dish.

  26. 26

    LiztheChef — July 18, 2012 @ 7:10 pm

    Printing your lovely recipe, but put off by large BlogHer ad that cuts off your entire site.

    • Cassie replied: — July 18th, 2012 @ 7:19 pm

      Oh no, I hate to hear that! Please let me know what the ad was for so that I can change that. I don’t like those ads either! Thanks for stopping by!

  27. 27

    Mercedes@Satisfy My Sweet Tooth — July 18, 2012 @ 7:23 pm

    Thank you for raising my awareness of this very worthy cause! I am loving all of your tempting tomato recipes!

  28. 28

    Tracey — July 18, 2012 @ 7:36 pm

    I’m way behind on commenting and just now getting caught up on your #tomatolove posts Cassie. Kudos for raising awareness! This pasta looks fantastic, love the combination of ingredients you used.

  29. 29

    Baking Serendipity — July 18, 2012 @ 8:06 pm

    I made a tomato recipe for dinner tonight and thought of you :) Love this pasta (but that probably comes as no surprise).

  30. 30

    Julie @ Table for Two — July 18, 2012 @ 8:23 pm

    i really love this recipe. it’s simple and fresh and it sounds amazing with great flavors!

  31. 31

    katie — July 19, 2012 @ 6:07 am

    Great job bringing awareness to others! This pasta looks amazing. I love that you used smoked paprika!

  32. 32

    Nutmeg Nanny — July 19, 2012 @ 8:09 am

    Arugula in my pasta is my favorite thing ever! This looks great…do you deliver?

  33. 33

    Angie — July 19, 2012 @ 8:55 am

    Beautiful pasta and a great cause!

  34. 34

    Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen — July 19, 2012 @ 8:56 am

    I admire you bringing awareness to this very important cause! Of course the pasta looks totally amazing!

  35. 35

    Paula - bell'alimento — July 19, 2012 @ 9:36 am

    Great job bringing awareness to others girls! And that pasta well yes I’ll have two bowls please ; )

  36. 36

    amy @ fearless homemaker — July 19, 2012 @ 12:24 pm

    this looks fantastic! + i love that you’re bringing awareness about such an important issue – us bloggers, myself included, should do that more often!

  37. 37

    Ramona — July 19, 2012 @ 12:51 pm

    I love that this pasta is still light and healthy… but it fill my belly. :)

  38. 38

    Ashley@BakerbyNature — July 19, 2012 @ 2:08 pm

    Cassie, you are on a role this week – everything you post has been something I’ve been majorly craving. Obviously, I love this ;)

  39. 39

    Shaina — July 19, 2012 @ 2:32 pm

    What a wonderful sentiment, and the pesto looks so bright and fresh. A perfect summer pasta bowl.

  40. 40

    Sommer@ASpicyPerspective — July 20, 2012 @ 8:46 am

    That is a Gorgeous summer pasts dish! …and it looks pretty guilt-free.

  41. 41

    Shari-Tickled Red — July 20, 2012 @ 12:16 pm

    I am all for some tomato love!! This will be perfect one night this weekend; quick, healthy and delish! Beautiful quote :D xoxo

  42. 42

    whaleshark — July 22, 2012 @ 7:50 pm

    This looks delicious. I love that you used smoked paprika! I am so excited to try this. Thanks for sharing.

  43. 43

    Marly — July 25, 2012 @ 8:07 am

    I think it’s so important to understand where our food comes from and the conditions of the people and the animals that were involved. I’m so glad you shared about this in your post – it’s a very important cause. Oh, and thanks for the great recipe too!

  44. 44

    Erin @ Texanerin Baking — July 25, 2012 @ 2:45 pm

    Thanks for the reply, Cassie! Now I can look for them. :)

  45. 45

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