Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

$Cooking this creamy roasted red pepper pasta is simple and fun. Here’s what you need: - 2 large red bell peppers - 3 cloves garlic, peeled - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 300g pasta of your choice (such as penne or fettuccine) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role. The red bell peppers add sweetness and a vibrant color. Garlic brings depth to the flavor. Olive oil helps with roasting and adds richness. Heavy cream creates that creamy texture we all love. Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick, and Italian seasoning ties all the flavors together. Choose pasta that you enjoy. Penne or fettuccine works well. When you add fresh basil, it brightens the dish and adds a lovely aroma. This simple list of ingredients makes a meal that’s not just tasty, but also beautiful on the plate. I promise, your family will love it! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, grab a baking sheet. Place two large red bell peppers and three peeled garlic cloves on it. Drizzle one tablespoon of olive oil over everything. Don't forget to sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. This step makes the peppers flavorful. Roast the peppers and garlic in the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye out for signs of doneness. The peppers should feel soft and have a little char on their skin. Once they look good, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Now it’s time to make the sauce. Peel off the skin from the roasted peppers and remove the seeds. In a blender, add the roasted peppers, garlic, one cup of heavy cream, half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and one teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Blend everything until it’s smooth and creamy. Taste it and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Next, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. Before draining the pasta, reserve one cup of the cooking water. This water is important for adjusting the sauce later. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the creamy roasted red pepper sauce. Toss the pasta well to make sure every piece is coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time. This will help you get the perfect sauce consistency. Enjoy your creamy roasted red pepper pasta! To boost the taste of your creamy roasted red pepper pasta, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. You can also mix in smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. If you want to switch up the cheese, try using goat cheese or feta. These will add a tangy twist and make your dish even better. For the best creaminess, blend your roasted peppers and garlic thoroughly. The smoother the sauce, the richer it feels in your mouth. If the sauce is too thick, slowly mix in some of the reserved pasta water. It helps to get the right consistency without losing flavor. Plating can make your dish stand out. Use a big spoon to create a swirl of pasta on the plate. Place the sauce on top, letting it drape down the sides. For garnish, sprinkle fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan. This adds color and makes the dish look fancy and inviting. Pro Tips Roasting Perfection: Ensure the peppers are slightly charred for a deeper flavor. This enhances the sweetness and gives a smokier taste to your sauce. Creamy Consistency: When blending the sauce, add a little pasta water if it’s too thick. This helps achieve the perfect creamy texture without losing flavor. Cheese Variations: For a different taste, try substituting the Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or adding a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess. Herb Freshness: Fresh basil is a great garnish, but you can also try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat or using fresh parsley for a different flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can add protein to your creamy roasted red pepper pasta. Chicken, shrimp, or tofu work well. If you choose chicken, grill or sauté it until cooked through. For shrimp, cook them until they turn pink. If you want a plant-based option, tofu can be cubed and sautéed until golden. Adjust cooking time based on your protein choice. Chicken usually takes about 15 minutes, shrimp cooks in 5-7 minutes, and tofu takes about 10 minutes. Make sure to season your protein to keep it flavorful. Roasting veggies adds extra flavor to your dish. Try adding zucchini, spinach, or cherry tomatoes. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and roast them alongside the bell peppers. This makes your meal more colorful and nutritious. You can also stir in fresh greens like spinach or kale after mixing in the sauce. They’ll wilt nicely and add a fresh taste. If you need a gluten-free version, choose pasta made from rice, quinoa, or lentils. These options are widely available in stores. Brands like Banza or Tinkyada offer great choices that cook well. Make sure your cream and cheese are gluten-free too. This way, you can enjoy all the creamy goodness without any worries. To keep your creamy roasted red pepper pasta fresh, store it properly. Allow the pasta to cool down. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Press out as much air as you can before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. When reheating, you want to keep that creamy texture. You can use the stovetop or microwave. For the stovetop, heat in a pan over low heat. Stir often and add a splash of water or cream if needed. For the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, about 30 seconds at a time. Stir in between until it’s hot. Aim for a temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe. Enjoy your delicious meal! Yes, you can use jarred roasted red peppers. They save time and are easy to find. However, they can be a bit softer than fresh peppers. This affects the sauce's texture slightly. Fresh roasted peppers offer a deeper, smokier flavor. If you want a richer taste, go for fresh. To make this dish vegan, swap heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. You can use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. Also, ensure your pasta is egg-free. These simple swaps keep the dish creamy and flavorful. Penne and fettuccine work great with creamy red pepper sauce. Penne holds sauce well in its ridges. Fettuccine offers a smooth surface that complements the sauce. You can also try spaghetti or rotini if you prefer. Choose any pasta you love! Yes, there are ways to make this recipe lighter. Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for fewer calories. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use a lighter cheese option. Adding more vegetables like spinach or zucchini can increase fiber and decrease calories. You can create a delicious dish with roast red peppers and creamy sauce. We went over the key ingredients, steps, and tips to make it right. I hope you feel ready to try this recipe, whether you want to add protein or go vegan. Remember, cooking is fun! Experiment and enjoy your meal. Sharing your results with friends makes it even better. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

A delicious pasta dish made with creamy roasted red peppers and garlic, perfect for a comforting meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Ingredients

2 large red bell peppers
3 cloves garlic, peeled
1 tablespoon olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
1 cup heavy cream
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
300 g pasta of your choice (such as penne or fettuccine)
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place the red bell peppers and garlic on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and slightly charred.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Once cooled, peel the skin off the peppers and remove the seeds.
In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted peppers, garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta and the roasted red pepper sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve your desired sauce consistency.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to taste and garnish with fresh basil for added flavor.

Keyword creamy, pasta, red pepper, vegetarian