Sweet Sour Pasta Fruit Glaze (Printable)

Bright and tangy pasta with fruit preserve glaze, bell peppers, and fresh herbs for an adventurous vegetarian main.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz penne or fusilli pasta
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - Salt for boiling water

→ Vegetables

04 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
05 - 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
06 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
07 - 1 medium carrot, julienned

→ Sauce

08 - 3 tbsp fruit preserve (apricot or peach recommended)
09 - 2 tbsp rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
10 - 2 tbsp soy sauce
11 - 1 tbsp honey or agave syrup
12 - 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
13 - 1 clove garlic, minced
14 - 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
15 - 2 tbsp water
16 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

17 - 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
18 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or basil

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain the pasta, toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, and set aside.
02 - While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the red onion, bell peppers, and carrot for 5–6 minutes until slightly tender yet still vibrant.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together the fruit preserve, vinegar, soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, chili flakes (if using), and water to create the glaze.
04 - Pour the prepared glaze over the sautéed vegetables. Stir well and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce has a glossy sheen and has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
05 - Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the glazed vegetables. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta is coated with the sauce. Heat through for 1–2 minutes.
06 - Divide the pasta among serving plates. Garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds and chopped fresh herbs. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 35 minutes for a quick weeknight dinner
  • Uses simple ingredients with extraordinary results
  • Perfect balance of sweet tangy and savory flavors
  • Incredibly versatile base for adding proteins or changing flavor profiles
02 -
  • High in vibrant vegetables providing essential nutrients and fiber
  • Easily customizable for different dietary needs
  • Perfect make ahead dish as flavors develop overnight
03 -
  • Always taste your fruit preserve before using as sweetness levels vary dramatically between brands and fruits adjust honey accordingly
  • Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan until golden for maximum flavor they make a huge difference
  • Reserve some fresh herbs to add right before serving for a burst of color and freshness

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