Time: 30 minutes
Rating: 4(1071)
Notes: Read community notes

Caramelized slivers of soft bell peppers and whole cloves of garlic serve as the sweet vegetable-based sauce for this summery pasta. The ricotta gives everything creaminess and body, while herbs and scallions lend freshness, and anchovies depth. If you have an open bottle of wine on hand, you can add a splash to deglaze the tasty browned bits on the bottom of the pan. But don’t bother opening something new: A little water or dry vermouth does the trick nearly as well.

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Kosher salt
12ounces short pasta, such as radiatori, fusilli or campanelle
3tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
8 to 10anchovy fillets, chopped, or use a dash or two of soy sauce
2large rosemary sprigs
6garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
Large pinch of red-pepper flakes
2sweet bell peppers (red, orange or yellow), thinly sliced
2tablespoons dry red, white or rosé wine, or use dry vermouth or water
1tablespoon unsalted butter
Fresh lemon juice
½cup fresh ricotta
2scallions, thinly sliced, or ¼ cup sliced red onion
Freshly ground black pepper
¼cup finely chopped fresh mint, basil or thyme, plus torn mint or basil leaves and tender sprigs, for garnish
Freshly grated Parmesan (optional)

Ingredient Substitution Guide

Nutritional analysis per serving (6 servings)

364 calories; 13 grams fat; 4 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 7 grams monounsaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 48 grams carbohydrates; 4 grams dietary fiber; 3 grams sugars; 12 grams protein; 356 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook, according to package instructions, until the pasta is just al dente.
As pasta cooks, heat a large sauté pan over medium-high, and add 3 tablespoons olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the anchovies and rosemary, and sauté until the anchovies start to dissolve, about 1 minute. Add the garlic and red-pepper flakes, and sauté until the garlic turns pale golden in spots, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Add the bell peppers and a large pinch of salt to the pan, and sauté until the bell peppers are very soft and well caramelized, 10 to 15 minutes, lowering the heat if the peppers start becoming too dark. Add the wine (or water) and the butter, and sauté, scraping up the browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Taste and season with lemon juice and more salt as needed.
Put ¼ cup ricotta and the scallions in a large serving bowl, and season aggressively with black pepper.
Use a coffee mug or measuring cup to scoop about ½ cup pasta water from the pot. Drain the pasta, then add it to the bowl with the ricotta and scallions, tossing well. Add the bell pepper mixture and the herbs, and toss well, adding a splash or two of pasta water if the mixture looks dry. Taste and season with more salt if needed.
Spoon pasta into bowls, and top with dollops of the remaining ¼ cup ricotta, a drizzle of oil and a little Parmesan, if you like. Shower torn herb leaves over all.