Rustic Pantry Pasta with Romesco Sauce Recipe: Zesty Weeknight Magic

Whipping up a quick pantry pasta with romesco sauce can turn an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure.

Mediterranean kitchens have long celebrated this vibrant blend of roasted peppers and nuts.

Creativity sparks when simple ingredients dance together in unexpected ways.

Spanish cooks understand the magic of transforming humble components into something extraordinary.

Resourceful chefs know that pantry staples can become spectacular meals with minimal effort.

Smooth, nutty romesco sauce delivers rich flavors that comfort and excite simultaneously.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those nights when inspiration strikes and ingredients are limited.

Why Pantry Pasta with Romesco Sauce Is a Weeknight Hero

• Conquer Kitchen Complexity: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet meal with minimal culinary skills required, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Raid Your Pantry: Packed with readily available ingredients like canned tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and almonds, this dish eliminates last-minute grocery store runs.
• Speed Through Dinner: From blending sauce to tossing pasta, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner plans.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adaptable with optional garnishes like Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley, allowing personal touches that make each plate unique and satisfying.

What Goes Into That Bold, Pantry-Ready Romesco Pasta

• Pasta: A classic base that provides the hearty foundation for this flavorful dish.
• Roasted Red Peppers: Sweet and smoky peppers that form the core of the romesco sauce.
• Canned Tomatoes: Adds rich, tangy depth to the sauce base.

• Toasted Almonds, Red Wine Vinegar: Provide nutty richness and bright acidity to balance the sauce.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces a deep, warm, smoky flavor to the romesco sauce.

• Olive Oil, Garlic, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Create a fragrant and spicy base for cooking the sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing the overall flavor profile.

• Fresh Parsley, Grated Parmesan Cheese: Optional toppings that add freshness and a salty, cheesy finish.

Cook Up Romesco Pasta in Just a Few Simple Steps

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook pasta in salted water following package guidelines. Ensure the pasta reaches al dente texture.

Save some pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Sizzle Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Minced garlic
• Crushed red pepper flakes

Sauté until garlic turns golden and releases its fragrant aroma.

Step 3: Create Vibrant Romesco Sauce

• Roasted red peppers
• Canned tomatoes
• Toasted almonds
• Red wine vinegar
• Smoked paprika
• Salt

Blend until the mixture becomes silky smooth.

Step 4: Simmer Sauce

Pour romesco sauce into the skillet with garlic. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.

If the sauce feels too thick, splash in reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired consistency.

Step 5: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Toss cooked pasta into the skillet, coating every strand with romesco sauce.

Season with salt and pepper to enhance flavors.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top.

Add grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness. Serve hot and enjoy this pantry-friendly meal bursting with Mediterranean flavors.

Tricks to Elevate Your Pantry Pasta with Romesco

• Toast almonds carefully to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent burning, which can make the romesco sauce bitter.
• Adjust sauce thickness by gradually adding reserved pasta water, creating a silky, clingy texture that coats each pasta strand perfectly.
• Swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast to make the dish vegan-friendly, maintaining the savory, cheesy essence.
• Experiment with different pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli to catch more romesco sauce in their nooks and crannies.
• Use fire-roasted canned tomatoes for a deeper, smokier flavor profile that complements the smoked paprika beautifully.

Flavor Combos to Refresh Your Romesco Routine

• Mediterranean Seafood Romesco: Replace pasta with shrimp or scallops, searing protein in skillet before adding sauce for a rich, oceanic flavor profile.
• Roasted Vegetable Romesco: Swap pasta for grilled zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, creating a hearty vegetarian version with complementary textures.
• Spicy Chorizo Romesco: Add crispy chorizo sausage pieces to the sauce, introducing smoky and spicy Spanish-inspired elements that enhance the romesco's depth.
• Herb-Infused Romesco: Incorporate fresh basil or cilantro into the sauce, brightening the flavor and adding a fresh green note to the traditional recipe.

Best Pairings for Romesco Sauce Pasta Bowls

• Pair Robust Red Wine: Select a Spanish Tempranillo or Garnacha to complement the smoky romesco sauce, enhancing the nutty almond and roasted pepper flavors.
• Crisp Salad Side: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, bold sauce and provide a fresh contrast to the pasta's intensity.
• Crusty Bread Accompaniment: Serve warm, rustic sourdough or ciabatta bread to soak up extra romesco sauce and add textural variety to the meal.
• Mediterranean Antipasto Plate: Add olives, manchego cheese, and cured meats like jamón serrano to build a complete Spanish-inspired dining experience that echoes the sauce's Mediterranean roots.

How to Store Pantry Pasta Without Losing Flavor

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the pasta is cooled completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Microwave Reheating: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Stovetop Reheating: Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently to distribute heat evenly.
• Freezer Option: Pack cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 1 month.

Pantry Pasta FAQs You’ll Want to Read

• What is romesco sauce made of?

Romesco sauce is a traditional Spanish sauce made with roasted red peppers, tomatoes, toasted almonds, garlic, red wine vinegar, and smoked paprika. It blends together to create a rich, slightly smoky, and nutty flavor profile.

• Is romesco sauce spicy?

Romesco sauce typically has a mild heat from the crushed red pepper flakes and can be adjusted based on personal preference. The smoked paprika adds depth without overwhelming spiciness.

• Can I make romesco sauce ahead of time?

Yes, romesco sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This makes it a convenient sauce for quick meals and meal prep.

Pantry Pasta with Romesco Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

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

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Description

Pantry pasta with romesco sauce brings Mediterranean magic to quick weeknight dinners. Rich, smoky sauce blends roasted red peppers and toasted almonds, creating a simple yet luxurious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or rigatoni)
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) roasted red peppers (from a jar)
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) canned diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) toasted almonds

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) red wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish Ingredients:

• Fresh parsley
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until perfectly al dente, maintaining a firm texture. Keep 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, introducing minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté until garlic turns golden and fragrant, approximately 1-2 minutes.
3. Transfer roasted red peppers, canned tomatoes, toasted almonds, red wine vinegar, smoked paprika, and salt into a blender. Pulse until achieving a smooth, consistent texture.
4. Pour romesco sauce into the skillet with sautéed garlic. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent burning and develop deeper flavor profiles.
5. Gradually incorporate reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, to adjust sauce consistency and create a silky, clingy coating for the pasta.
6. Gently fold pasta into romesco sauce, ensuring each strand is thoroughly and evenly coated with the vibrant, nutty sauce.
7. Season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance overall taste balance.
8. Finish the dish by scattering fresh parsley and generously sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese for added texture and complexity. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of crushed red pepper flakes for those who prefer milder or spicier dishes.
• Toast almonds carefully to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent burning, which can make the romesco sauce bitter.
• Make the recipe vegetarian-friendly by using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a similar umami flavor.
• Prep romesco sauce in advance and store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to develop and making weeknight cooking faster.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg