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To make Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta, you need simple and fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or your choice) - 3 large red bell peppers - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat) Each ingredient plays a vital role. The pasta serves as the base, while the roasted red peppers bring a sweet, smoky flavor. The onion and garlic add depth. Heavy cream makes the dish rich and smooth. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty touch. Olive oil helps sauté the vegetables. Italian seasoning enhances the overall taste. Salt and pepper balance the flavors. Fresh basil adds a burst of freshness, and crushed red pepper flakes can give it a kick if you like heat. By using these ingredients, you create a delightful dish that’s both tasty and satisfying. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). - Cut the red peppers in half. Remove the seeds. - Place the peppers cut-side down on a baking sheet. - Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. - Drain the pasta and set it aside. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water. - In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. - Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes. - Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. - Roast the red peppers in the oven for about 20 minutes. - They should be charred and soft. - Remove them from the oven and place in a bowl. - Cover the bowl with plastic wrap for about 10 minutes. - This helps to loosen the skins. Peel off the skins. - Slice the roasted peppers and add them to the skillet. - Stir in Italian seasoning and cook for 2 minutes. - Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. - Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted. - Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix well. - Add reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess. - If you like spice, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top. - Serve the pasta garnished with fresh basil leaves. To get that dreamy creamy texture, always reserve pasta water. This starchy water helps the sauce stick to the pasta. It also adds a nice silkiness. Use fresh ingredients like red bell peppers, garlic, and onions. Fresh produce makes a big difference in taste. The flavors shine through when you choose quality items. Store your leftovers in airtight containers. Let the pasta cool before sealing it up. This helps keep it fresh for later. In the fridge, it’s good for about three days. When reheating, do so over low heat on the stove. Add a splash of water or more cream to bring back the creaminess. Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. A light white wine, like Pinot Grigio, also works well. If you like spice, add crushed red pepper flakes to your dish. Adjust the heat by adding more or less, based on your taste. Pro Tips Roasting Peppers: For an even deeper flavor, let the roasted peppers cool completely before peeling. This enhances the sweetness and smokiness. Pasta Cooking: Be sure to salt the pasta water generously. It should taste like the sea, as this is the best time to season the pasta itself. Make it Creamy: If your sauce is too thick, gradually add in more reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creaminess. Garnishing: Fresh basil not only adds color but also enhances the dish's aroma and flavor. Tear the leaves instead of chopping for a more rustic touch. {{image_2}} You can make this pasta dish even better by adding protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp adds a tasty twist. Just cook them separately and toss them in at the end. For a vegetarian option, try adding chickpeas. They are packed with protein and make the dish hearty. Don't feel stuck with just one type of pasta. Whole wheat pasta adds fiber and a nutty taste. If you're gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. You can also change the pasta shape. Penne, fusilli, or farfalle all work great in this recipe. Want to make it vegan? Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor. For a lighter version, use low-fat cream and cheese. These swaps keep the dish creamy without the extra calories. You can store leftover creamy roasted red pepper pasta in an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools down before sealing to avoid moisture buildup. For longer storage, freeze the pasta dish. Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Try to remove as much air as possible. The pasta will stay good for about 2 months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water. Check for spoilage before eating. Look for mold or an off smell. If it smells sour or looks different, it’s best to toss it. Always trust your nose and eyes! Yes, you can use jarred roasted red peppers. They save time and effort. Jarred peppers are often packed in olive oil, adding extra flavor. Freshly roasted peppers have a slightly smokier taste. If you want that deep flavor, try roasting your own peppers. To adjust the spice, add crushed red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and taste. If you like more heat, add more. For less spice, skip the flakes entirely. You can also add a dash of cream or cheese to balance the heat. This pasta pairs well with a simple salad. A light arugula salad with lemon works great. Garlic bread is another tasty side. You can also serve it with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein. In this post, we explored how to make a delicious Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta. We covered essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned how to achieve the perfect creamy sauce, store leftovers, and even tweak the recipe for dietary needs. Remember, cooking is fun! You can personalize this dish with different proteins and flavors. Dive in and enjoy making your own tasty meals. Your kitchen is the place for creativity, and this pasta is a great start!

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish made with roasted red peppers and Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or your choice)
  • 3 large red bell peppers
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves
  • optional Crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
  • Cut the red peppers in half and remove the seeds. Place them cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes or until the skin is charred.
  • Remove the roasted peppers from the oven and transfer them to a bowl, covering it with plastic wrap for about 10 minutes (this helps to loosen the skin). Then peel off the skins and set aside.
  • While the peppers are cooling, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  • Slice the peeled roasted red peppers and add them to the skillet. Stir in the Italian seasoning and cook for another 2 minutes to combine flavors.
  • Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix well, adding reserved pasta water if necessary to reach desired creaminess.
  • If you like it a bit spicy, sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes at this stage.
  • Serve the pasta garnished with fresh basil leaves on top.

Notes

Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired.
Keyword creamy, pasta, red pepper, vegetarian