Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta (Printable Version)

Velvety pasta with roasted red peppers in a rich, creamy sauce. Ready in 30 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz penne or fettuccine

→ Sauce

02 - 1 (12 oz) jar roasted red peppers, drained
03 - 2 tbsp 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 tsp smoked paprika
09 - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

11 - 2 tbsp 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 directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
02 - 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 more.
03 - Transfer sautéed onion and garlic to a blender. Add drained roasted red peppers, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
04 - Return sauce to the skillet over low-medium heat. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
05 - Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to achieve desired consistency. Serve immediately garnished with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The sauce comes together in minutes but tastes like something from a restaurant
  • It uses simple pantry staples you probably already have on hand
  • The velvety texture makes even ordinary weeknights feel like a small occasion
02 -
  • That reserved pasta water is liquid gold, containing starch that helps the sauce cling to every noodle
  • Blending hot ingredients can cause pressure buildup, so either vent your blender or let things cool slightly
  • The sauce will thicken as it sits, so do not be afraid to add more pasta water than you think you need
03 -
  • Roast your own red peppers ahead of time and keep them in the freezer for even better flavor
  • Add a splash of white wine to the onion while sautéing for an extra layer of complexity
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