Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

Name: Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine); 2 cups roasted red peppers, peeled and chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, diced; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish, optional

Highlighted under: Warm Dinners

I absolutely love this Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta because it brings a burst of flavor while remaining incredibly easy to prepare. The roasted red peppers create a rich, savory sauce that beautifully coats the pasta. Adding a splash of cream takes the dish over the top, enhancing its creaminess and making it hearty and satisfying. This recipe has quickly become my go-to for weeknight dinners, and I think you will find it as delightful as I do. Once you try it, you'll be hooked!

Created by

Monicas

Last updated on 2026-02-24T19:27:18.679Z

When I first stumbled upon the idea of making a creamy sauce from roasted red peppers, I was skeptical yet intrigued. We roasted the peppers to caramelize their natural sugars, which added a wonderful depth of flavor to the sauce. Blending them with a touch of cream created a smooth consistency that clung perfectly to the pasta. By including a hint of garlic and onion, I found that the flavors meld beautifully together, ensuring each bite is packed with deliciousness.

One of the best parts of this recipe is its versatility. I love to toss in some sautéed spinach or grilled chicken for extra nutrition. The vibrant color from the roasted peppers makes the dish visually appealing too, making it perfect for entertaining. Plus, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings or when I’m looking to impress my friends without spending hours in the kitchen!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich roasted red pepper flavor combined with a creamy sauce
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
Can be customized with your favorite veggies or proteins

Understanding the Ingredients

The star of this Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta is, of course, the roasted red peppers. They bring a sweet and smoky flavor that elevates the dish remarkably. Opt for jarred roasted red peppers for a shortcut, but if you have the time, roasting your own adds a depth of flavor that is truly satisfying. Simply roast fresh bell peppers in the oven until charred, peel them, and let them cool before adding them to your sauce.

The heavy cream plays a crucial role in achieving that luscious, velvety texture. If you're looking for a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or even unsweetened almond milk. Just keep in mind that the consistency and richness will differ. For a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk will work well too, imparting a hint of coconut flavor that complements the roasted peppers nicely.

Perfecting the Sauce

When blending the roasted red peppers with heavy cream, ensure you blend until the mixture is completely smooth. This helps avoid any chunks that could disrupt the creamy texture. If your blender struggles, add a splash of pasta cooking water to facilitate blending. The warmth of the water also helps to bring out the flavors in the sauce when cooked together later on.

After combining the sauce with the sautéed onions and garlic, allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes. This step is important as it helps integrate the flavors and enhances the sauce's richness. Look for a slightly thickened consistency that clings to the back of a spoon. A gentle simmer over medium-low heat, about 5-7 minutes, is usually sufficient.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

For an added layer of flavor and texture, consider topping your pasta with toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving. These toppings not only enhance the dish visually but also provide a nice crunch that contrasts with the creamy sauce. Freshly cracked black pepper can also elevate the dish by adding a touch of spice.

This recipe is also very versatile! Feel free to add in sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to boost the nutrition and color of the dish. If you're looking to incorporate protein, grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp are excellent additions. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly to keep everything perfectly cooked and delightful.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients for a vibrant and creamy dish.

Ingredients

12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
2 cups roasted red peppers, peeled and chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish, optional

Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your taste preferences.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your delicious pasta dish!

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.

Blend the Peppers

In a blender, combine the roasted red peppers and heavy cream. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Combine Everything

Pour the roasted red pepper sauce into the skillet with onions and garlic. Stir to combine, then add the cooked pasta, mixing until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your creamy pasta!

Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Pro Tips

For a smoky flavor, try adding a dash of smoked paprika to the sauce. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt.

Make-Ahead Tips

This Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta can be made ahead of time, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights. Prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or cream to bring it back to life before mixing in the cooked pasta.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, again with a splash of water or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. This helps prevent the pasta from drying out and ensures a creamy texture when served.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your sauce turns out too thick, don't worry! Simply add a little bit of reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it. This not only adjusts the consistency but also helps the sauce adhere to the pasta better. Conversely, if you find your sauce too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken, which will concentrate the flavors beautifully.

Another common issue might be undercooked pasta. Always follow package instructions, but check for doneness a minute or two earlier than suggested, as the pasta will continue to cook once combined with the sauce. If the pasta seems too underdone, you can simmer it quickly in the sauce for another minute, allowing it to absorb some of the flavors while becoming perfectly cooked.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable, so you can adjust it based on your needs. If cooking for a crowd, simply double or triple the ingredients, ensuring that your skillet is large enough to hold the additional sauce. You may need to use separate pots to boil larger quantities of pasta to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.

Conversely, you can also halve the recipe without harming the flavor or texture. Just remember that if you're reducing quantities, the cooking times for sautéing the onions and garlic may be shorter, so keep an eye on them for that perfect translucency. This allows for flexibility whether you're meal prepping or hosting a gathering.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought roasted red peppers?

Yes, store-bought roasted red peppers work great if you're short on time!

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition.

→ Can this recipe be made vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a vegan pasta.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.