Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Recipe

This Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta is a rich, flavorful dish that combines smoky roasted red peppers with a luscious, garlicky cream sauce. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a comforting weeknight meal. Serve it with your favorite pasta and top it with fresh basil and Parmesan for an irresistible dish!

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• 2 large roasted red peppers (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup diced onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (for brightness)

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
• ½ cup pasta water (reserved)

For Garnish:

• Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Drizzle of olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Red Peppers (If Making Homemade)

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Place whole red peppers on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is charred.
3. Transfer the peppers to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap for 10 minutes to steam.
4. Peel off the skin, remove seeds, and roughly chop the roasted peppers.

(Alternatively, use store-bought roasted red peppers to save time!)

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water to help thin the sauce later.

Step 3: Make the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add onions and sauté until soft (about 3 minutes).
3. Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add roasted red peppers, tomato paste, and broth, then let simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Transfer everything to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

(For a chunkier sauce, blend just a little or use an immersion blender.)

Step 4: Finish the Sauce

1. Pour the blended sauce back into the pan over low heat.
2. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice.
3. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Toss & Serve

1. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until well coated.
2. Serve immediately with fresh basil, extra Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil on top.

Tips for the Best Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

✔ Use fire-roasted peppers for extra smoky flavor.
✔ Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms for protein.
✔ For a vegan version, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of dairy.
✔ Make it spicier by adding more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.

This Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta is an easy, restaurant-quality dish you’ll love. Would you like a side dish recommendation to pair with it?