Roasted Red Pepper Pasta (Printable Version)

Vibrant pasta dish featuring blended roasted red peppers in a creamy sauce with garlic and Parmesan. Vegetarian, ready in 35 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta

→ Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

02 - 2 large red bell peppers, roasted, peeled and chopped, or 12 oz jarred roasted red peppers, drained
03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 1 small yellow onion, diced
05 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
06 - ½ cup heavy cream
07 - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
09 - ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
10 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

11 - Fresh basil leaves, torn
12 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese

# How To Make:

01 - If using fresh red bell peppers, roast them over an open flame or under the broiler until the skin is charred. Place in a bowl, cover, and let steam for 10 minutes. Peel, deseed, and roughly chop.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add the roasted red peppers to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes, then transfer the mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender in the pan. Blend until smooth.
05 - Return the sauce to the skillet over low heat. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and black pepper. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water as needed.
06 - Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
07 - Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The sauce clings to every ridge of pasta like it was made to be there, creamy and bright without feeling heavy.
  • It looks fancy enough for guests but comes together faster than ordering takeout.
  • One pot of boiling water and one skillet is all you need, which means fewer dishes and more time at the table.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day when the flavors have melded together overnight.
02 -
  • Don't skip reserving pasta water, it's the secret to a sauce that hugs the noodles instead of sliding off.
  • Blend the sauce longer than you think you need to, any chunks will stand out in the creamy base.
  • Taste before serving and adjust salt, the Parmesan adds saltiness but you might need a pinch more depending on your cheese.
03 -
  • Roast extra peppers and freeze them in a zip-top bag, they thaw quickly and save you time on busy nights.
  • Use an immersion blender directly in the skillet to save cleanup and keep the sauce warm throughout.
  • Toss the pasta in the sauce over low heat for a minute so the noodles absorb some of the flavor, it makes all the difference.
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