Why make this recipe
Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta is a delightful dish that balances rich flavors with a touch of freshness. It’s a quick and easy recipe that you can whip up on busy weeknights or serve for a cozy dinner with friends. The combination of roasted red peppers and creamy sauce creates a comforting meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s adaptable—you can make it vegetarian or add protein like chicken or shrimp.
How to make Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
Ingredients:
- 2 cups roasted red peppers
- 8 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until it’s al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes.
- Prepare the sauce: Stir in the roasted red peppers and heavy cream, letting it simmer for 3-5 minutes.
- Blend the sauce: Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
- Combine: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, stir in the Parmesan cheese and basil, then season with salt and pepper.
How to serve Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
Serve Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta warm. You can garnish it with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil for a nice touch. It pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
How to store Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
To store leftovers, place the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may want to add a little water or cream to loosen the sauce.
Tips to make Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
- For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Use fresh roasted red peppers for the best flavor, but jarred ones work too.
Variation
You can easily customize this pasta by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh red peppers instead of roasted ones?
Yes, you can roast fresh red peppers yourself or use jarred roasted peppers.
2. What if I don’t have an immersion blender?
You can transfer the sauce to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the skillet.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.