Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta (30-Minutes)
This creamy roasted red pepper pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that combines smoky roasted red peppers with a rich, velvety sauce. Blended with garlic, parmesan, and a touch of spice, it’s a comforting meal ready in just 30 minutes.Whether made with fresh or jarred red peppers, this recipe is easy to customize with proteins or extra veggies.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 2 large roasted red peppers jarred or freshly roasted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ small onion diced
- ½ cup heavy cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free option
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for spice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta of choice penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Peppers (If Using Fresh)
- Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- Place whole red bell peppers on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is blackened and blistered.
- Transfer the peppers to a bowl, cover with a plate, and let them steam for 10 minutes.
- Peel off the skin, remove the seeds, and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Transfer the cooked onions and garlic to a blender along with the roasted red peppers, heavy cream, parmesan, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Blend until smooth.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Pour in the blended roasted red pepper sauce and let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked pasta, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.