The aroma of roasted red pepper pasta wafts through the air, inviting you to indulge in its creamy, dreamy goodness. Imagine twirling those warm, golden noodles around your fork as the rich sauce clings to every strand, delivering a burst of flavor with each bite.
This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that brings comfort on cold nights and joy during family gatherings. I still remember the first time I made this pasta for my friends—let’s just say they practically fought over the last bite, and I was left feeling like a culinary rock star.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This roasted red pepper pasta is incredibly easy to whip up, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners
- The flavors are rich and savory, with a hint of smokiness from the roasted peppers
- Its vibrant colors make it visually stunning on any table, ensuring everyone will want to dig in
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize based on your favorite veggies or proteins
When I made this dish for my family’s holiday dinner last year, the compliments just kept coming!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Pasta: Spaghetti or penne works great here; choose your favorite for the best texture.
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Roasted Red Peppers: Opt for jarred or homemade; they add a sweet, smoky flavor.
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Heavy Cream: This provides a luscious texture; half-and-half can be used for a lighter option.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves enhance the flavor profile—don’t skimp on them!
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Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for drizzling; it adds richness and depth.
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Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parm elevates the dish’s umami factor—grate it yourself if possible!
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Fresh Basil: Adds a delightful herbaceous note at the end—it’s like a green confetti explosion!
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate all flavors to their peak.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Cook Your Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant and lightly golden. This should take about two minutes—watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
Add Roasted Red Peppers: Toss in your roasted red peppers along with salt and pepper. Cook for another few minutes until everything is heated through and aromatic.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in heavy cream while stirring continuously until combined. Allow it to simmer gently for about 4-5 minutes until slightly thickened—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Toss It All Together: Add your cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing well so that every noodle is coated in that creamy goodness. If it seems too thick, add reserved pasta water little by little until you reach desired consistency.
Finishing Touches: Remove from heat and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary—this is where you can make it truly yours!
Now plate up your roasted red pepper pasta with an extra sprinkle of cheese on top because why not? Enjoy immediately while it’s hot!
This dish pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a fresh garden salad—perfect for sharing with loved ones (or hoarding all to yourself). Happy cooking!
You Must Know
- This roasted red pepper pasta recipe combines rich flavors with a delightful twist
- The vibrant colors and aroma create an inviting atmosphere, making it perfect for any occasion
- Plus, it’s a breeze to whip up on busy weeknights or for impressing guests
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by roasting the peppers while boiling pasta; this maximizes flavor and efficiency, leading to a deliciously harmonious dish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ingredients like adding spinach for extra greens or using gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
Storing & Reheating
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly roasted peppers, grill them until charred for a smoky flavor
- Always reserve some pasta water before draining; it helps create a luscious sauce
- Taste your sauce!
- Adjust seasoning as necessary to elevate the overall flavor profile
Cooking this roasted red pepper pasta reminds me of my college days when I tried impressing friends with my “gourmet” skills. Spoiler alert: they were impressed!
FAQ
Can I use jarred roasted red peppers?
Absolutely! Jarred peppers save time and still taste great in this recipe.
What pasta works best for this dish?
Any pasta works, but penne or spaghetti tend to hold the sauce beautifully.
How can I make it vegan?
Simply replace cream with coconut milk and omit cheese for a tasty vegan version.
Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Roasted red pepper pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With its smoky undertones from roasted peppers and a luscious sauce that clings to every noodle, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at dinner parties. Easy to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins, this vibrant dish will have everyone asking for seconds. Experience the joy of cooking and savor the delightful flavors in every bite!
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or penne
- 1 cup roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook your pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
- Add roasted red peppers, salt, and pepper; cook for a few minutes until heated through.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously; let it simmer for about 4-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing well to coat with the sauce. If too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
- Remove from heat; stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 1 cup cooked pasta)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
