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