Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Recipe

Luscious Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Recipe Everyone Loves

Crafting a delightful creamy roasted red pepper pasta brings pure joy to kitchen adventures.

Peppers roasted to perfection create a magical base for this comforting dish.

Vibrant colors and rich flavors promise an unforgettable meal that’ll make you smile.

Robust ingredients combine seamlessly, offering a remarkable dining experience.

Each bite tells a delicious story of culinary creativity.

Mediterranean influences shine through in this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

You’ll want to savor every single delectable forkful of this incredible pasta.

Why Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Feels So Satisfying

  • Boost Kitchen Confidence: Master a restaurant-quality dish with simple techniques that transform everyday ingredients into a gourmet meal.
  • Quick Weeknight Wonder: Prepare a delicious dinner in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a homemade comfort meal.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels, adding protein, or swapping herbs to match personal taste preferences.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Impress dinner guests or family members with a vibrant, creamy pasta that looks and tastes like a professional chef created it.

Ingredients Needed For Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

Main Ingredients:
  • Pasta: A key component that serves as the foundation of the creamy dish, providing a satisfying base for the flavorful sauce.
  • Roasted Red Peppers: The star ingredient that creates a rich, sweet, and vibrant sauce with a smooth texture.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and creates a velvety, creamy consistency to the pasta sauce.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic, Parsley, Basil: Fresh herbs and aromatics that enhance the overall flavor profile with their bright and fragrant notes.
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the taste of the sauce, adding depth and a subtle kick.
Finishing Touches:
  • Parmesan Cheese: A classic Italian cheese that melts beautifully, adding a savory and salty dimension to the creamy pasta.
  • Olive Oil: Provides a smooth base for sautéing and adds a subtle, rich undertone to the dish.
  • Pasta Water: A secret ingredient that helps adjust the sauce's consistency and helps the sauce cling to the pasta.

How To Make Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Without Hassle

Step 1: Boil Water and Cook Pasta

Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Drop pasta into the bubbling water and cook until perfectly tender, stirring occasionally to prevent clumping. Aim for that ideal al dente texture that’s soft yet slightly firm.

Step 2: Prepare Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Grab your food processor and transform roasted red peppers into a smooth, vibrant puree. The goal is a silky-smooth consistency that will become the heart of your creamy sauce.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Garlic

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Mince fresh garlic and let it dance in the pan, releasing its golden, fragrant essence. Watch for that perfect golden-brown color that signals maximum flavor.

Step 4: Create Pepper Cream Base

Pour the roasted red pepper puree into the skillet, mingling with the sautéed garlic. This creates a bright, flavorful foundation for your sauce that’s both rich and tantalizing.

Step 5: Develop Creamy Texture

Lower the heat and slowly stream in heavy cream, whisking continuously. The sauce will transform into a luxurious, velvety mixture that clings beautifully to every pasta strand.

Step 6: Season the Sauce

Sprinkle in:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes

Whisk thoroughly to distribute these flavor-boosting seasonings evenly throughout the sauce.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Drain the pasta, but save a splash of pasta water. Transfer the pasta directly into the pepper cream sauce. Gently toss to coat every single noodle, using reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.

Step 8: Add Finishing Touches

Grate fresh parmesan cheese over the pasta, stirring to help it melt into the sauce. Tear fresh basil leaves and chop parsley, scattering them across the top for a burst of herbal brightness.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the pasta immediately, garnishing with extra parmesan and herbs if you’re feeling indulgent. Prepare for a flavor explosion that celebrates the perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and fresh elements.

Easy Tips For Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

  • Prevent Pasta Sticking: Stir pasta frequently during cooking and add a splash of olive oil to the water to keep noodles separate and smooth.
  • Maximize Pepper Flavor: Roast red peppers at home for deeper, smokier taste compared to jarred versions, enhancing the sauce's overall complexity.
  • Sauce Consistency Trick: Use reserved pasta water to thin or thicken the sauce, ensuring perfect texture without losing flavor intensity.
  • Herb Enhancement: Chop basil and parsley just before adding to preserve their vibrant color and release maximum aromatic oils into the dish.
  • Creamy Sauce Balance: Whisk heavy cream slowly and on low heat to prevent separation and achieve a silky, luxurious sauce texture.

Flavor Boosters For Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

  • Vegan Roasted Red Pepper Pasta: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a plant-based alternative. Nutritional yeast adds cheesy flavor without dairy.
  • Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Add oregano and thyme for an authentic Greek-inspired profile.
  • Spicy Chorizo Pepper Pasta: Brown Spanish chorizo before adding garlic, then mix into the creamy sauce. Incorporate smoked paprika for extra depth and heat.
  • Roasted Vegetable Remix: Blend in roasted zucchini, eggplant, and butternut squash with red peppers. Top with toasted pine nuts for added texture and nutty complexity.

Tasty Sides That Go With Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

  • Savor Herbal Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc with grassy notes that complement the roasted red pepper's sweetness and cut through the creamy sauce.
  • Craft Cheese Companion: Select a bold aged Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano as a side cheese plate to enhance the pasta's rich flavor profile and provide textural contrast.
  • Elevate Protein Partner: Add grilled chicken breast or seared shrimp on top of the pasta to introduce lean protein that balances the cream sauce's richness while adding extra nutrition.
  • Refresh Salad Sidekick: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a zesty, peppery counterpoint that cuts through the dish's creaminess and adds refreshing brightness.

How To Store Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Properly

  • Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors and maintain optimal taste.
  • Warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or cream to restore its creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
  • Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Keep the sauce's creamy texture by avoiding high heat when storing and reheating. Add a small amount of liquid when warming to help restore the original smooth consistency.

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta FAQ Time

  • Can I use jarred roasted red peppers instead of roasting them myself?

Absolutely! Jarred roasted red peppers work perfectly and save time without compromising flavor. Just drain and pat them dry before blending.

  • Is this pasta dish spicy?

The recipe has a mild kick from red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less, or omitting them completely for a milder version.

  • What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Linguine, fettuccine, or penne are excellent choices. Choose a pasta shape that can hold the creamy sauce well and capture the roasted pepper flavors.

  • Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

For a vegetarian version, use the recipe as is.

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Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Recipe

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Pasta dreams come alive with this creamy roasted red pepper pasta, blending Mediterranean flavors and silky sauce. Hearty ingredients dance together, creating a comforting meal that invites you to savor each luxurious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
  • 4 large roasted red peppers
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Seasonings:

  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil, adding a generous pinch of salt for enhanced pasta flavor.
  2. Cook the pasta until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. While pasta cooks, blend roasted red peppers in a food processor until smooth and silky.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then mince garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes.
  5. Pour the blended red pepper mixture into the skillet, stirring to combine with garlic and creating a vibrant base sauce.
  6. Reduce heat to low and slowly incorporate heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a luxurious, creamy texture.
  7. Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the sauce, whisking to distribute seasonings evenly.
  8. Drain pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water, and transfer directly into the pepper cream sauce.
  9. Gently toss pasta to coat thoroughly, using reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
  10. Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the pasta, stirring to melt and integrate into the sauce.
  11. Tear fresh basil leaves and chop parsley, scattering them over the pasta for a burst of herbal freshness.
  12. Serve immediately, garnishing with additional parmesan and herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Customize spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes, perfect for heat-sensitive palates or spice lovers.
  • Create a lighter version by substituting heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a healthier alternative.
  • Reserve pasta water strategically to control sauce thickness, ensuring a silky, clingy texture that coats every pasta strand perfectly.
  • Transform into a protein-packed meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu for extra substance and nutritional boost.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 70 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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