This roasted red pepper pasta features a luscious, creamy sauce made by blending roasted red peppers with cream and seasoning, then tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti.
It's a vibrant, vegetarian-friendly dish that balances sweet roasted peppers with rich cream for a satisfying meal.
Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting lunch, this recipe highlights simplicity with bright flavors and a smooth texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Roasting the red peppers enhances their natural sweetness and adds a smoky depth to the sauce.
- Using cream in the sauce adds richness and smoothness that balances the acidity of the peppers.
- Blending the sauce ensures a smooth texture that coats the spaghetti evenly for delicious bites every time.
- Cooking the pasta al dente provides perfect texture and helps the sauce cling to the noodles well.
Spaghetti with Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
A vibrant and creamy roasted red pepper sauce tossed with spaghetti, creating a flavorful vegetarian pasta dish that's easy to prepare.
- Prep time
- 15 minutes
- Cook time
- 15 minutes
- Servings
- 4
- Yield
- 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces (340 g) spaghetti
- 2 large red bell peppers, roasted, peeled, and seeded (or 1 cup jarred roasted red peppers, drained)
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Red Peppers If using fresh peppers, roast them under a broiler or on a grill until the skins are charred and blistered. Place the peppers in a bowl covered with plastic wrap to steam for 10 minutes. Peel off the skins, remove seeds, and chop roughly. If using jarred roasted peppers, drain them well.
- Cook the Spaghetti Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes or according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Make the Sauce In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using); sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add roasted red peppers and cook for 2 minutes.
- Blend the Sauce Transfer the pepper and garlic mixture to a blender or food processor. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Blend until very smooth. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce Return the sauce to the skillet over low heat. Add cooked spaghetti and toss to coat evenly. Heat through for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the sauce reaches at least 140°F (60°C) for safe serving.
- Serve Divide pasta among four plates. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan, if desired. Serve immediately.
Helpful Tips
- For easy pepper roasting, you can use jarred roasted red peppers but be sure to drain them well to avoid watery sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
- This dish contains dairy and gluten. Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
- To store leftovers, cool pasta to room temperature within two hours before refrigerating.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or pasta water to restore creaminess.
Do not leave cooked pasta or sauce at room temperature for more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other pasta shapes with this sauce?
Yes, penne, fusilli, or linguine work well with creamy roasted red pepper sauce.
How do I roast red peppers at home?
Place whole red peppers under a broiler or directly on a gas stovetop flame until the skin is blackened. Then steam in a covered bowl to loosen skins before peeling.
Is this sauce suitable for vegans?
This recipe uses heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, so it's not vegan. You can substitute with coconut cream and vegan cheese alternatives.
Leave a Reply