Description
A creamy roasted red pepper pasta made with sweet roasted peppers, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of cream for a rich, flavorful sauce. This easy vegetarian Italian dinner is ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 jar (16 oz) roasted red peppers, drained
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
Garnish
- Fresh basil, chopped
- Optional: red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water for the sauce.
- Sauté garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Prepare the sauce: In a blender, combine the roasted red peppers, sautéed garlic, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Simmer the sauce: Pour the blended sauce into the same skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil and, if desired, red pepper flakes over the pasta before serving for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein and heartiness.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce version.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
