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Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

A fork lifts a piece of rigatoni pasta coated in rich sauce from a bowl of Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta, showing cheese pull.
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Make a rich and creamy pasta sauce using roasted red peppers. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound pasta (penne or rigatoni work well)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (12 ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to a blender. Add the drained roasted red peppers and vegetable broth. Blend until completely smooth.
  5. Pour the pepper mixture back into the skillet over medium-low heat.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream and cubed cream cheese. Whisk constantly until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Do not let it boil.
  7. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat thoroughly. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
  9. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a vegan version, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
  • If you prefer a fresher pepper flavor, roast two large red bell peppers until blackened, peel them, remove seeds, and use them in place of the jarred peppers.
  • This sauce pairs well with grilled chicken breast or sautéed shrimp added just before serving.

Nutrition

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