This Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce is smooth, rich, and full of flavor, made with roasted red peppers, garlic, and cream blended into a silky sauce. It’s easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights, and tastes like a restaurant-quality pasta dish at home. This sauce pairs beautifully with any pasta shape and can be customized with chicken, shrimp, or vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 2 cups roasted red peppers (jarred, drained, or homemade)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
- Salted water for boiling
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions.Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.Add onion and cook until soft, about 3–4 minutes.Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Blend the Sauce
Add roasted red peppers to the pan.Remove from heat and transfer mixture to a blender.Blend until completely smooth.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Return blended sauce to the pan over low heat.Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.Simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring often.
Step 5: Combine
Add cooked pasta to the sauce.Toss until fully coated, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
Cooking Notes
- Use high-quality roasted red peppers for best taste
- Blend thoroughly for a silky smooth sauce
- Keep heat low after adding cream to avoid curdling
- Sauce thickens as it simmers
- Pasta water helps adjust consistency
Variation
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein
- Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or chili paste
- Use coconut cream for a dairy-free version
- Add spinach or mushrooms for a veggie boost
- Blend in a spoon of tomato paste for deeper flavor
Tips
- Jarred roasted red peppers save time and work well
- Grate Parmesan fresh for better melting
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving
- Store leftovers in an airtight container
- Reheat gently on low heat
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread or focaccia
- Top with fresh basil or parsley
- Add extra Parmesan before serving
- Pair with a simple green salad
- Serve hot for best texture
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Info (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 410
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
FAQs
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
- Yes, store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze roasted red pepper sauce?
- Yes, freeze without cream for best results.
What pasta works best with this sauce?
- Short pasta like penne or rigatoni works great.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
- Yes, but the sauce will be lighter and less rich.
Is this sauce spicy?
- No, but you can add heat if you like.
Conclusion
Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce is an easy, flavorful sauce that transforms simple pasta into a comforting, satisfying meal. It’s creamy, versatile, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.