Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce Recipe

This easy roasted red pepper pasta sauce is an absolute game-changer! It’s creamy, smoky, and oh-so-delicious. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this sauce comes together quickly to transform any pasta dish into a rich, flavorful experience. Whether you’re looking to elevate a weeknight dinner or impress guests, this roasted red pepper sauce will hit all the right notes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: This creamy roasted red pepper pasta sauce comes together in no time—perfect for busy weeknights.
• Full of Flavor: The combination of sweet roasted peppers, garlic, and a touch of cream creates a luxurious sauce that’s both smoky and savory.
• Versatile: You can pair it with any type of pasta, or even use it as a dip for bread or veggies. It’s that good!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this creamy roasted red pepper pasta sauce, here’s what you’ll need:

• Roasted Red Peppers: These are the star of the dish! Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness and smoky flavor, making them the perfect base for the sauce.
• Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil adds richness and helps to sauté the garlic and onions.
• Onion: A small onion, finely chopped, adds depth and sweetness to the sauce. You can use a shallot for a more delicate flavor if you prefer.
• Garlic: Garlic is a must for adding aromatic, savory notes. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
• Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce so creamy and dreamy. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative.
• Parmesan Cheese: A bit of freshly grated parmesan adds a salty, umami kick that rounds out the creamy texture of the sauce.
• Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes will bring out the flavors of the sauce. Feel free to add more heat with extra red pepper flakes if you like it spicy!
• Fresh Basil or Parsley: For a pop of color and a fresh, herby finish. You can also sprinkle a little extra parmesan on top for garnish.

Variations

Feel free to make this dish your own with these fun variations:

• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes if you love some heat in your sauce.
• Cheese Lovers: Mix in a handful of shredded mozzarella or goat cheese for an even creamier sauce.
• Non-Dairy Version: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative to make this sauce dairy-free.
• Smoky Flavor: If you want an extra boost of smokiness, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a little chipotle in adobo sauce.

How to Make Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Roasted Red Peppers

If you’re using jarred roasted red peppers, drain and rinse them to remove any excess oil. If you’re roasting your own, preheat your oven to 400°F, place the peppers on a baking sheet, and roast them for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the skins are charred. Let them cool, peel off the skins, and remove the seeds.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, making sure not to burn it.

Step 3: Blend the Sauce

In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted red peppers, sautéed onions and garlic, and heavy cream. Blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of pasta cooking water or vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Pour the blended sauce back into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir in the parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Toss with Pasta

Once your pasta is cooked, toss it directly into the sauce, making sure every strand is coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to thin it out. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Smooth Sauce: For the smoothest sauce, make sure to blend the roasted peppers thoroughly. A high-speed blender works wonders for achieving a silky texture.
• Balance the Creaminess: If you prefer a less creamy sauce, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream and add a little vegetable broth to lighten it up without compromising flavor.
• Make Ahead: This sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, so feel free to make it ahead and store it for an easy dinner later on.

How to Serve

This roasted red pepper pasta sauce pairs wonderfully with any type of pasta—spaghetti, penne, fusilli, you name it. You can also use it as a sauce for grilled chicken or shrimp, or even pour it over roasted vegetables for a hearty vegetarian meal. For a more indulgent meal, serve it alongside a slice of garlic bread and a fresh green salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover roasted red pepper pasta sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a little pasta water or broth to loosen it up if it thickens too much.

Freezing

If you’ve made a big batch, this sauce freezes beautifully! Transfer the cooled sauce to a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat the sauce gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan. If needed, add a bit of water or broth to adjust the consistency.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought roasted red peppers? Absolutely! Jarred roasted red peppers are a great time-saver and still pack plenty of flavor for this sauce.

Can I make this sauce spicy? Yes! Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to give the sauce a spicy kick.

Can I use a different type of cream? Yes! If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

How can I make the sauce thicker? If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few extra minutes, or add a bit of cream cheese to give it a richer, denser texture.

Final Thoughts

This easy roasted red pepper pasta sauce is one of those recipes that you’ll want to make again and again. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, yet simple enough to prepare on a busy weeknight. Whether you’re serving it with pasta, chicken, or vegetables, it’s guaranteed to become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

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