Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta (Printable View)

Silky roasted red pepper sauce coats tender pasta in this quick, vegetarian-friendly dish. Ready in just 30 minutes with pantry staples.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz penne or fettuccine

→ Sauce

02 - 1 (12 oz) jar roasted red peppers, drained
03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
07 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

11 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
12 - Additional Parmesan cheese for serving

# How To Make It:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain in a colander.
02 - While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Transfer sautéed onion and garlic to a blender or food processor. Add drained roasted red peppers, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Blend until smooth and creamy.
04 - Return the sauce to the skillet over low-medium heat. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
05 - Add drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve desired consistency.
06 - Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It transforms humble jarred peppers into something that tastes like it simmered for hours, but comes together in under 30 minutes
  • The sauce coats every curve and crevice of the pasta, making each bite impossibly rich and satisfying
  • You probably have most ingredients in your pantry right now, making it a perfect what should I make for dinner solution
02 -
  • Blending hot liquids can be dangerous, so either let the onion and garlic cool slightly before blending, or remove the center cap from your blender lid and cover with a kitchen towel to let steam escape safely
  • The sauce thickens quickly as it cools, so if you're reheating leftovers, you'll definitely need to add a splash of water or cream to bring it back to life
03 -
  • If your blender isn't very powerful, roughly chop the peppers before adding them, which helps achieve a smoother texture without stubborn chunks
  • Grating your own Parmesan makes a huge difference in how well it melts into the sauce, and the flavor is noticeably brighter than pre grated cheese
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