Roasted Red Pepper Rigatoni Arrabbiata with Sopressata Sticks

By ccavaletti

Ingredients

• Salt
• 2 large red bell peppers
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)
• 4 slices 1/8-inch-thick deli-sliced hot sopressata, cut into matchsticks
• 4 cloves garlic, grated or finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 28 ounce can crushed, diced or whole fire-roasted tomatoes
• 2 sprigs fresh oregano, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley (a generous handful)
• 2/3 cup grated pecorino-romano cheese (a couple of generous handfuls)
• 2 cups arugula, coarsely chopped or torn

Details

Servings 4

Preparation

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it, add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 ladleful pasta water.

While the pasta is working, position a rack 8 inches from the broiler and preheat to high. Broil the bell peppers, turning as necessary, until blackened all over, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, cover and let cool for 5 minutes. Discard the peel and seeds. Using a food processor, puree the bell peppers for 30 seconds.

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon EVOO, 1 turn of the pan, over medium heat. Add the sopressata and cook until crisp, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

Add the remaining EVOO, 1 turn of the pan, to the skillet. Add the garlic and cook over medium heat for 2 minutes. Stir in the crushed red pepper, then the pureed roasted bell peppers. Stir in the tomatoes and oregano and heat through, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the reserved pasta cooking water. Add the pasta, parsley and cheese; toss. Top with the arugula and sopressata sticks.