Red Pepper & Broccoli Penne

[sarahmichelef]

Tried this last week, from Vegetarian Planet. I'm working from memory here.

1.5 C onion, chopped
2 red bell peppers, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped (I think I used 4, because I'm extravagant like that)
1/3 C whole raw almonds
4 T olive oil (I halved this & substituted a splash of water))
4 C broccoli florets
1/3 C grated parmesan
1/2 C fresh basil leaves, chopped (I didn't have any so we had dried)
1 lb penne (or comparable pasta)

Saute the onions in 2 T of olive oil until they're soft. Add peppers and garlic, saute another 15 minutes, stirring often.
Meanwhile, steam the broccoli until it's just slightly less done than you want it to be and cook & drain the pasta.
Chop the almonds in a blender or food processor, then add the vegetables and remaining oil or some water; blend until smooth.
Return the drained pasta to the pot; add the red pepper sauce and stir to coat. Then add the broccoli and stir it in, as well as the parmesan and basil. Make sure it's still hot, and serve.
I feel like there was also supposed to be some balsamic vinegar in there, but I didn't put it in, and I don't remember if it was blended with the pepper sauce or added with the broccoli and stuff.
It's really tasty and reheats quite nicely, too.