If you are searching for a dish that bursts with vibrant color and deep, comforting flavors, look no further than this Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Recipe. It combines creamy roasted red pepper sauce with perfectly cooked penne, resulting in a plate that’s as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat. This recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create a luxurious, satisfying meal that you can whip up in under half an hour. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner or a dinner party showstopper, this dish will quickly become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients is key to making this Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Recipe shine. Each item plays an important role, from the tender pasta to the rich, creamy sauce, with every flavor and texture complementing the others perfectly.
- 1 lb penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape to catch and hold the luscious sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a smooth base for sautéing and brings a fruity richness.
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced: Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers a warm, aromatic bite that lifts the sauce.
- 16 ounces roasted red bell peppers, roughly chopped: The star ingredient, lending smoky sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce for that perfect creamy texture.
- 1 cup milk: Creates a rich, silky base for the sauce to meld together.
- 5 ounces shredded parmesan, divided: Brings sharp, savory notes and adds incredible creaminess when melted.
- 2 tablespoons roughly chopped basil: A fresh, herbaceous finish that brightens each bite.
How to Make Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by heating a large pot of salted water until it comes to a rolling boil. Cooking your penne pasta according to the package directions ensures a perfectly al dente bite that’s essential to balance the creamy sauce. Remember to reserve some pasta water before draining—it will be a magic ingredient later!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
While your pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook it gently for about 5 minutes, until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds to release its aroma without overpowering the sauce. Then, toss in the roughly chopped roasted red bell peppers, stirring them to combine the sweet smokiness with the softened onion and garlic.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetable mixture and stir constantly for 30 seconds to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the milk, stirring occasionally for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken into a velvety consistency. Add 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water and continue cooking for another 2 minutes—this helps the sauce thicken further while lightening it up just slightly for perfect coating consistency.
Step 4: Blend for Creaminess
Remove the skillet from the heat and use an immersion blender to blitz the sauce right in the pot, or carefully transfer it to a blender. Pureeing allows the roasted red peppers to break down completely, yielding a silky, smooth sauce that beautifully envelops each piece of pasta.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese
Return the sauce to the pot if you removed it for blending, then stir in half of the shredded parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated. This step adds depth and a luscious, cheesy richness to the sauce that makes this Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Recipe so irresistible.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Mix the cooked penne pasta into the sauce, ensuring every piece is generously coated. The sauce clings to the ridges of the penne, making each bite flavorful and creamy. This simple step brings the dish together in perfect harmony.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Divide the pasta between bowls, then top with the remaining parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil for a pop of color and freshness that elevates the final presentation beautifully.
How to Serve Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese as garnishes not only beautifies your dish but also enhances its flavor profile. The basil adds a fragrant herbal brightness that contrasts with the creamy sauce, while a little extra parmesan gives a pleasant salty punch.
Side Dishes
This pasta shines on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or garlicky sautéed greens adds a refreshing balance. A side of warm, crusty bread helps soak up any leftover sauce, making sure nothing delicious goes to waste.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in hollowed-out roasted red peppers or use colorful bowls to highlight its vivid hues. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top for a subtle heat surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover roasted red pepper pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld deeper overnight, making it a fantastic next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but since it contains dairy, it’s best to freeze the pasta and sauce separately to maintain quality. Place them in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat the pasta in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to bring back that creamy lusciousness. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as the sauce may separate or become watery.
FAQs
Can I use fresh red peppers instead of roasted?
Fresh red peppers can be used, but roasting intensifies their sweetness and adds smokiness which is key to this Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Recipe’s signature flavor. If using fresh, consider roasting them yourself or expect a fresher, less developed taste.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly, packed with plant-based ingredients plus parmesan cheese. Just make sure your parmesan is certified vegetarian if that’s important to you.
Can I substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative?
Yes, unsweetened plant-based milks like almond or oat milk work well. Just choose one with a neutral flavor to keep the creamy texture without overpowering the sauce’s flavors.
What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Penne is ideal because its ridges and tubes capture the sauce beautifully, giving you a rich, flavorful bite every time. Other sturdy pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli also work well.
How spicy is this Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Recipe?
This recipe is typically mild and sweet due to the roasted red peppers and creamy sauce. However, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to suit your heat preference.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Recipe is a wonderful way to bring warmth and vibrancy to your dinner table, combining comfort and elegance in one easy dish. Its rich, creamy sauce paired with the perfectly cooked pasta makes every forkful a delight. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how this simple, flavorful recipe becomes an instant favorite in your kitchen too!
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Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Roasted Red Pepper Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish featuring penne pasta tossed in a flavorful roasted red bell pepper sauce. The sauce is built from sautéed onions and garlic, thickened with flour and milk, and finished with parmesan cheese and fresh basil for a rich and delicious meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb penne pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 ounces roasted red bell peppers, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved from cooking the pasta)
- 5 ounces shredded parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons roughly chopped basil
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Heat a large pot of salted water over high heat until boiling. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet or dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced yellow onion and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the roughly chopped roasted red bell peppers.
- Make the Sauce Base: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onion and pepper mixture and stir continuously for 30 seconds to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly add the milk, stirring occasionally, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: Add the reserved 1/2 cup of pasta water to the sauce and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens again to a creamy consistency.
- Blend the Sauce: Remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender or regular blender, carefully blend the sauce until smooth and creamy, breaking down the bell peppers to create a velvety texture. Return the sauce to the pot if blended separately.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in half of the shredded parmesan cheese into the sauce until it melts fully, adding richness and flavor.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked penne into the sauce until evenly coated. Divide the pasta between serving bowls, then top with the remaining parmesan cheese and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil for a fragrant finish.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce consistency smoothly.
- You can substitute milk with cream or a milk alternative for a different flavor or dietary need.
- Use freshly roasted bell peppers for best flavor or jarred roasted peppers as a convenient alternative.
- For a vegan version, substitute parmesan with a dairy-free cheese and use a plant-based milk.
- To add protein, grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms would complement this pasta well.
