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Looking for a quick, delicious dinner idea? Try my creamy roasted red pepper pasta! This dish pops with flavor and is super simple to make. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can create a meal that the whole family will love. Let me guide you through the steps to make this rich and tasty pasta, perfect for any night of the week!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Creamy: This pasta dish combines roasted red peppers and creamy sauce for a rich, delicious flavor that will satisfy your taste buds.
- Quick to Prepare: With a total time of just 40 minutes, this recipe makes it easy to whip up a hearty meal even on busy weeknights.
- Customizable Spice Level: The red pepper flakes can be adjusted based on your heat preference, making it perfect for every palate.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh red bell peppers and basil adds a burst of color and nutrition, elevating the dish’s overall appeal.
Ingredients
To make creamy roasted red pepper pasta, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you need:
– 12 oz pasta (fusilli or penne recommended)
– 2 large red bell peppers
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish delicious. The red bell peppers give a sweet and smoky flavor. The heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. Parmesan cheese adds a savory touch, while red pepper flakes offer a hint of spice.
You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on how spicy you want the dish. Fresh basil leaves add a nice, fresh finish to every plate.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheating and Roasting Peppers
– Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
– Cut the red bell peppers in half and remove the seeds.
– Place the peppers cut-side down on a baking sheet.
– Roast in the oven for 20 minutes until the skin is blistered and charred.
Roasting the peppers is key. It gives them a deep, rich flavor. The high heat helps to caramelize the sugars. You’ll notice a sweet, smoky taste in the final dish.
Cooking Pasta
– In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
– Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
– Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Cooking the pasta right is important. Al dente means the pasta is firm, not mushy. This texture helps it hold the sauce well.
Preparing the Sauce
– After roasting, remove the peppers. Place them in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap for 10 minutes. This steams the peppers and helps loosen the skin.
– Peel off the skins from the peppers. Put the flesh in a blender or food processor.
– Add minced garlic and olive oil. Blend until smooth.
– In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the roasted red pepper mixture.
– Stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
The creamy sauce will coat the pasta perfectly. It’s a blend of sweet and savory flavors. Adding the garlic enhances the taste even more.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Creamy Texture
To get that perfect creamy texture, heavy cream is key. It adds richness and smoothness. When you heat the cream, do it gently. If you heat it too fast, it may curdle. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese when the cream is warm. Stir until the cheese melts completely. This helps create a thick and velvety sauce.
Roasting Red Peppers
Roasting red peppers brings out their sweet flavor. To roast them well, cut each pepper in half and remove the seeds. Place them cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast them in a hot oven at 450°F (230°C) for about 20 minutes. You want the skin to blister and char. After roasting, cover them with plastic wrap for about 10 minutes. This steams the peppers, making the skin easier to peel off.
Seasoning Adjustments
The red pepper flakes add a nice kick. If you want more heat, feel free to add more. Taste the sauce as you go. You can also adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Remember, seasoning makes or breaks a dish. Don’t be afraid to tweak it until it suits your taste!
Pro Tips
- Roasting Peppers for Flavor: Roasting the red peppers until they’re blistered enhances their natural sweetness and adds a smoky depth to the sauce.
- Perfectly Cooked Pasta: For the best texture, cook your pasta until al dente; it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce.
- Adjusting Heat Levels: If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes gradually until you reach your desired heat level.
- Fresh Garnish: Always finish with fresh basil leaves; they add a bright, herbal note that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Variations
Additions and Substitutions
You can boost this dish with tasty additions. For protein, try grilled chicken or shrimp. Both add flavor and heartiness. If you want more veggies, spinach is a great choice. It wilts nicely in the sauce and adds nutrients. You can also use mushrooms or zucchini for a colorful twist. Adding these ingredients makes your creamy roasted red pepper pasta even more satisfying.
Different Pasta Options
While fusilli and penne are great choices, you can use other pasta shapes too. Farfalle, or bow-tie pasta, makes the dish fun and appealing. Spaghetti or linguine can also work well. Just remember to cook it until it’s al dente for the best texture. Feel free to experiment with shapes you love!
Dairy-Free Alternatives
If you want a dairy-free version, there are easy swaps. Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. Both options keep the dish creamy and rich. For cheese, try nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan. These alternatives still give you that cheesy flavor without the dairy. Enjoy your creamy roasted red pepper pasta without worry!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Let the pasta cool before sealing it. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, use your stove or microwave. For the stove, warm it in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of cream for extra smoothness. Stir gently until hot. In the microwave, use a safe dish. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps keep the creaminess.
Freezing Guidelines
You can freeze this pasta dish too. Use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It will stay good for up to three months. To defrost, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently, adding cream if needed. This keeps it creamy and delicious.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Here’s how:
– Roast the peppers and store them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days.
– Cook the pasta and toss it with a bit of olive oil. This helps prevent sticking.
– Prepare the sauce and keep it in a separate container. It will stay fresh for about three days in the fridge.
When you are ready to eat, just reheat everything. Mix the pasta with the sauce in a skillet. Heat until warm, and enjoy!
How can I make the sauce spicier?
To add some heat to your sauce, try these tips:
– Increase red pepper flakes. Start with an extra 1/4 teaspoon and taste as you go.
– Add fresh chili peppers. Chop them finely and mix them into the sauce.
– Include hot sauce. A few drops can really amp up the flavor.
Adjust these suggestions based on your heat preference. Enjoy a spicy kick!
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, here are some alternatives to heavy cream:
– Greek yogurt. It adds creaminess and a slight tang.
– Coconut cream. This will give you a rich and dairy-free choice.
– Cashew cream. Soak cashews in water, blend them, and use this creamy mix.
Each option changes the flavor a bit, so pick what suits your taste!
In this blog post, we explored a delicious pasta dish with roasted red peppers and creamy sauce. We discussed the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and helpful tips. You learned how to store leftovers and reheat them perfectly. Remember that you can customize this dish with different proteins and pasta options to suit your taste. Enjoy creating this flavorful meal that everyone will love, and don’t shy away from experimenting. Cooking should always be fun and rewardin
Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
A delicious pasta dish featuring a creamy sauce made from roasted red peppers and garlic.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal
- 12 oz pasta (fusilli or penne)
- 2 large red bell peppers
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- to taste salt and pepper
- for garnish fresh basil leaves
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
Cut the red bell peppers in half and remove the seeds. Place them cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 20 minutes, or until the skin is blistered and charred.
Once roasted, remove the peppers and place them in a bowl, covering with plastic wrap for 10 minutes to steam. This will help loosen the skin.
While the peppers are steaming, cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
After steaming, peel the skins off the red peppers and place the flesh in a blender or food processor. Add minced garlic, olive oil, and blend until smooth.
In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the roasted red pepper mixture. Stir in the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing well until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Serve the creamy roasted red pepper pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Adjust the red pepper flakes to your desired spice level.
Keyword creamy, pasta, red pepper, vegetarian
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