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If you are looking for a simple yet tasty meal, this Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta fits the bill! With just a few fresh ingredients and easy steps, you can create a dish that bursts with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing friends, it’s both comforting and satisfying. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and transform your pasta night into something special!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Creamy: The blend of roasted red peppers and cream creates a rich and comforting sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
- Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re short on time.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the heat level by adding more red pepper flakes or even incorporating other vegetables.
- Vegan-Friendly Option: With simple substitutions like cashew cream and nutritional yeast, this dish can be enjoyed by everyone!
Ingredients
To create a tasty Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine recommended)
– 2 large red bell peppers
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or cashew cream (vegan option)
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast (vegan option)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
– Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
These ingredients work together to create a rich and creamy sauce. The roasted red peppers add a sweet and smoky flavor. Garlic gives it an aromatic touch. You can choose heavy cream for a rich taste or cashew cream for a vegan option. Parmesan cheese brings a salty depth, while nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor for vegans. Olive oil adds smoothness, and smoked paprika gives a subtle warmth.
This dish is flexible. You can adjust the salt and pepper to suit your tastes. Don’t forget the fresh basil! It adds a bright, fresh note. If you like heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Cooking with these ingredients is a simple way to enjoy gourmet flavors at home.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Red Peppers
– Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
– Cut the red bell peppers in half and remove the seeds.
– Place them on a baking tray, skin side up. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
– Roast until the skins are charred, about 25-30 minutes.
Cooking Pasta
– While the peppers roast, boil water in a large pot.
– Add your pasta and cook until al dente, as per package instructions.
– Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
Making the Sauce
– Once the peppers cool, peel off the charred skins and chop the peppers.
– In a blender, add the roasted peppers, minced garlic, heavy cream, smoked paprika, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
– Blend until smooth and creamy.
– In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the red pepper sauce.
– Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
– Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce.
– Toss well until the pasta is fully coated.
– Heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
– Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips & Tricks
Best Pasta Choices
For this dish, I love using penne or fettuccine. These pasta types hold the sauce well. Penne has small tubes that trap sauce inside. Fettuccine has flat ribbons that coat nicely. Both give you a great bite. You can also try other pasta shapes, but stick to ones that hold sauce well.
Perfecting the Sauce
To make a smooth sauce, blend the roasted red peppers well. You want it creamy and rich. If it’s too thick, add a bit more cream. For extra flavor, taste and adjust the salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. If you like it spicier, add red pepper flakes.
Garnishing Suggestions
Garnish your dish with fresh basil leaves. They add a nice green touch and fresh flavor. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top. This makes the dish look great and taste even better. Consider a drizzle of olive oil for added shine.
Pro Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: For the best texture and sauce adherence, opt for pasta shapes with ridges like penne or fettuccine.
- Roasting Peppers: Allow the peppers to roast until the skin is well charred; this enhances the smoky flavor of the dish.
- Blending the Sauce: For an ultra-smooth sauce, blend the ingredients until completely creamy; this will make the pasta even more luxurious.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that impresses.

Variations
Vegan Options
To make this dish vegan, you can swap out the cream and cheese. Use cashew cream instead of heavy cream. This gives the sauce a rich texture without dairy. For cheese, try nutritional yeast. It adds a cheesy flavor and is plant-based. Both swaps keep the dish creamy and tasty.
Adding Protein
You can add protein to this pasta for a heartier meal. Grilled chicken works well; just slice it and toss it in at the end. Shrimp is another great option. Cook them in the skillet before adding the sauce. If you prefer a plant-based option, use tofu. Just cube it and sauté until golden before mixing in.
Spicing it Up
Want more heat? Red pepper flakes can add a kick. Sprinkle them in when you simmer the sauce. You can also try adding diced jalapeños for extra spice. If you prefer milder flavors, skip the heat and focus on herbs. Fresh basil adds a lovely taste and smell without the spice.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature first. Refrigerate the pasta for up to three days. This keeps the flavors intact and helps maintain texture.
Reheating Instructions
To enjoy your leftovers, reheat gently on the stove. Add a splash of water or cream to help loosen the sauce. Stir often over medium heat until warm. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps prevent the pasta from drying out.
Freezing Tips
If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months. To defrost, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned before to enjoy a quick meal.
FAQs
How can I make Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, choose the right pasta. Look for gluten-free options like:
– Brown rice pasta
– Chickpea pasta
– Quinoa pasta
These options cook well and taste good. Always check the package for cooking times.
Can I make the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time. Here are some tips:
– Roast the peppers and blend them as usual.
– Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge.
– It lasts up to three days.
When ready to use, just reheat the sauce on low heat. Stir it well before adding the pasta.
What can I serve with Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta?
This pasta pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas:
– A fresh green salad with vinaigrette
– Garlic bread for a crunchy side
– Steamed vegetables like broccoli or spinach
These sides add color and balance to the meal. Enjoy a complete dining experience with this dish!
Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta is a tasty mix of ingredients and steps. We covered how to prepare the peppers, cook the pasta, and make a rich sauce. You can customize your dish with vegan options or added protein. Store leftovers properly to enjoy later. Remember, cooking is fun! Choose your favorite ingredients and try new flavors. Enjoy your meal and share it with other
Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
A delicious and creamy pasta dish made with roasted red peppers and garlic, perfect for a comforting meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 35 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine recommended)
- 2 large red bell peppers
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or cashew cream for a vegan option
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for vegan option
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- to taste Salt and pepper
- for garnish Fresh basil leaves
- optional red pepper flakes for heat
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Cut the red bell peppers in half, remove the seeds, and place them on a baking tray, skin side up. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
Roast the peppers in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the skins are charred. Remove from the oven and place them in a bowl, covering it with plastic wrap to steam for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to peel off the skins.
While the peppers are steaming, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Once the peppers are cool enough to handle, peel the skins off and chop the peppers into smaller pieces.
In a blender, combine the roasted red peppers, minced garlic, heavy cream (or cashew cream), smoked paprika, and half of the Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast). Blend until smooth and creamy.
In a large skillet over medium heat, pour the red pepper sauce and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well until the pasta is coated in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Serve the Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta on plates, garnished with fresh basil and the remaining Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast).
For a vegan option, substitute heavy cream with cashew cream and Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast.
Keyword creamy, pasta, roasted red pepper, vegetarian
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