Sweet Kapia Pepper Orzo Pasta is an easy comfort meal of chewy orzo cooked in a flavorous kapia and tomato sauce. This dish is so quick to make on busy weeknights.
Even if it seemed complicated, this orzo dish is pretty simple to prepare. You will need to follow just a few steps for this yummy recipe. Nothing could be simpler – cook vegetables in Air Fryer, blend them, and coat pasta. Yes, it is not a misspelling – orzo is a kind of pasta. Many people do not even know that orzo is pasta. Not only the shape but even the taste is so similar to rice. Like most kinds of special pasta, orzo is better known in Italy. However, lately, it has made its way worldwide, and now you can find it everywhere.
This delicious dish requires just jew essential ingredients. Actually, this recipe was born once I bought a dozen Kapia peppers from our local farmer’s market. Being a big fan of Air Fryer, I first baked peppers. Then I checked my pantry for suitable carbohydrates, such as grains or pasta.Â
The ingredients list is simple and short. This quick recipe for delicious orzo uses Kapia peppers(or any other sweet peppers), cherry tomatoes (canned or baked), olives (optional), orzo, and of course, fresh basil. This time I added some air – fryer-baked onion & garlic for a flavorful base, and I could not be happier about how it turned out!
It is so simple to make, yet crazy delicious!
How to bake in Air Fryer vegetables?
Vegetables in Air Fryer are always a great idea. No mess or smell, and as a result, a good-looking plate. I love this kitchen machine as vegetables cooked in an air fryer always come out perfectly browned on the outside and soft and tender on the inside.
Moreover, I have various recipes on our blog; just have a look on them:
- Air Fryer Vegetable Platter – this recipe is perfect for cooking the Kapia peppers for the orzo.
- Air Fryer Corn Ribs
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
- Buffalo Air Fryer Cauliflower
- Air Fryer Asparagus Fries
- Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges
How do you make Sweet Kapia Pepper Orzo Pasta?
Sweet Kapia Pepper Orzo Pasta is the kind of dinner you make when you get home late and are drained of strength. In just 30 minutes, you can assemble this delicious and satisfying one-pot dish.
Bake peppers, onion, and garlic, as said in the recipes above. In case you do not have an Air Fryer, bake them in the preheated oven at 400 F for about 15 minutes or until tender.Â
Meanwhile, boil the orzo in salty water. Cook pasta al dente in lightly simmering water uncovered for 6-7 minutes, or as it is said on the package instruction. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
To make the sauce combine in the food processor baked vegetables and canned tomatoes. You can also substitute canned tomatoes for baked ones. Process until you get a smooth sauce. Watch the video below for more information:
Heat the heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil if you want. Drain the orzo and send it to the hot pan. Promptly stir in pepper & tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper for taste. Reduce the heat to a minimum and let the dish simmer for 4-5 minutes. If you get too thick sauce, add a splash of water or broth. Stir occasionally.Â
When cooked, garnish with fresh basil and green olives.
Enjoy!
Sweet Kapia Pepper Orzo Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 cup orzo pasta
- 1 can cherry tomatoes peeled
- 6 kapia peppers
- small onion
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- fresh basil
- 1/3 cup green olives
- salt & pepper to taste