With its delicate smoky sweetness and vibrant red color, grilled peppers are a staple of Mediterranean cuisine. In this recipe, penne is coated in a creamy sauce made with Benso Grilled Pepper Spread, finished with a drizzle ofBenso Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil. A quick, flavorful and comforting dish, perfect for a family lunch or an easy dinner with friends.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 350 g penne pasta
- 180 g Benso Grilled Pepper Spread
- 150 ml heavy cream
- 2 tbspBenso Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 50 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 100 g ricotta or crumbled fresh cheese
- Quelques feuilles de basilic ou d’origan frais
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method
Cook the penne in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve a small cup of the cooking water before draining the pasta.
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large frying pan. Add the Benso Grilled Pepper Spread, then stir in the cream. Mix gently until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Add the drained penne to the pan and toss until evenly coated. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve an even silkier sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Divide the pasta between serving bowls, sprinkle with crumbled ricotta and finish with a few fresh basil or oregano leaves. Serve immediately.

Benso Tip
For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle a little Benso Natural Balsamic Cream over the pasta just before serving. Its perfect balance of sweetness and acidity beautifully complements the smoky flavor of the grilled peppers. Pair this dish with a crisp green salad dressed with a Benso balsamic vinegar vinaigrette and some crusty bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
Looking for more Mediterranean inspiration? Discover the full range of Benso spreads and sauces and bring authentic Italian flavors to your everyday cooking.
Bon appétit !
