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Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

A close-up shot of penne pasta coated generously in a thick, vibrant orange Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta sauce.
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Make a rich and velvety pasta sauce using roasted red peppers. This recipe provides a simple method for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
  • 2 jars (12 ounces each) roasted red peppers, drained
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup pasta water, reserved
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy cooking water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  3. Add the drained roasted red peppers to the skillet. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Transfer the pepper mixture, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
  5. Pour the sauce back into the skillet. Heat gently over low heat. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat every piece.
  7. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a vegan version, substitute the heavy cream with 1/2 cup of soaked and blended raw cashews, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
  • If you are roasting fresh peppers, char them over an open flame or under a broiler until the skin is black, then steam them in a covered bowl for 10 minutes before peeling and using.
  • Taste the sauce before adding salt, as canned peppers and Parmesan cheese already contain sodium.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://eatableempress.com/creamy-roasted-red-pepper-pasta/