Skip to main content

Rigatoni with Red Pepper, Almonds, and Bread Crumbs

The secret ingredient in this dish is the garlicky croutons. I buy good-quality prepackaged garlic croutons from a local bakery and keep them in my pantry for emergencies (I also have been known to snack on them from time to time). You can certainly make them from scratch, but in this dish, it’s fine to substitute store-bought if you have a good source. I love the almondy and garlicky flavor the crumbs give the pasta.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

1 pound rigatoni (large, ridged tubular pasta)
3 cups purchased garlic-flavored croutons (about 5 ounces)
1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted (page 168)
1 cup julienned roasted red bell peppers
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and transfer to a large bowl.

    Step 2

    Place the croutons and the almonds in a food processor. Pulse until they are finely chopped, with the texture of bread crumbs. Add the crouton-and-almond mixture to the hot pasta along with the peppers and the olive oil. Toss to combine. Serve.

Everyday Pasta
Read More
Using two entire lemons—pith, skin, and all—cranks up the citrus flavor in this classic dessert.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.
Like Greek lemon potatoes and gochujang chicken stir-fry.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Like fattoush salad and strawberry shortcake roll.
Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.
This chicken salad nails it—creamy, herby, and endlessly riffable.