Roasted Red Pepper Pasta (Printable Version)

Vibrant pasta with sweet roasted red peppers blended into a creamy garlic sauce, finished with Parmesan and fresh basil.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz penne or rigatoni

→ Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

02 - 2 large red bell peppers 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 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
07 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 1/4 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 Steps:

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 1/2 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 Advice:

01 -
  • The sauce clings to every ridge of pasta like it was made to be there, creamy and bold without feeling heavy.
  • You can pull this together on a weeknight and still feel like you cooked something special.
  • It tastes restaurant-worthy but uses ingredients you probably already have tucked in your pantry.
02 -
  • Don't skip reserving the pasta water; it's the secret to a sauce that clings instead of pooling at the bottom of the bowl.
  • Blend the sauce longer than you think you need to, any little chunks will stand out against the creamy texture.
  • Taste the sauce before adding the pasta; it should be slightly overseasoned because the pasta will absorb and mellow the flavors.
03 -
  • Roast extra peppers and freeze them in portions; they're a lifesaver for quick weeknight sauces.
  • If your sauce tastes flat, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity and sweetness.
  • Use a pasta shape with ridges or tubes; smooth noodles like spaghetti won't hold the sauce as well.
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