Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

A creamy, vibrant pasta dish, this Roasted Red Pepper Pasta brings the sweetness of red peppers together with savory shallots and a luscious sauce that feels both comforting and elegant.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe transforms simple jarred or freshly roasted red peppers into a silky, restaurant-quality pasta sauce in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough for guests—offering vibrant flavor, luxurious texture, and flexibility to adapt with proteins or veggies. A cozy dish that feels fancy without the fuss.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Roasted red peppers (jarred, drained or freshly roasted)

• Olive oil and/or butter

• Shallots, thinly sliced

• Garlic, finely minced

• Heavy cream

• Pasta (penne, rigatoni, linguine, or your favorite shape)

• Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)

• Salt & freshly ground black pepper

• Optional garnishes: basil or parsley, red pepper flakes

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Directions

1. Prepare the sauce base
   Sauté sliced shallots in butter or olive oil over medium heat until caramelized (10–15 minutes). Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.

2. Blend roasted peppers
   In a blender, purée roasted peppers with a splash of water or broth for a smooth, creamy consistency.

3. Combine and simmer
   Pour the red pepper purée into the skillet. Add cream and Parmesan, stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes silky.

4. Cook pasta
   Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.

5. Finish the dish
   Add pasta directly into the sauce, tossing to coat. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water. Season to taste.

6. Serve
   Plate the pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh herbs, and red pepper flakes.

Variations include adding sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, fresh spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra texture and flavor.

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Servings and timing

• Yield: 4 servings

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes

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Variations

• Use jarred drained peppers for convenience or roast fresh peppers under a broiler until charred, then peel and seed. Reddit+9Don’t Go Bacon My Heart+9Pinch of Yum+9Pinch of YumThe Original DishThe Pioneer Woman

• Swap heavy cream for cashew milk for a lighter or vegan-friendly version. Munching with Mariyah

• Enhance seasoning with smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne for warm, smoky depth. The Guardian

• Stir in sun-dried tomatoes for added tang and chewiness. The Pioneer Woman

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Storage / Reheating

• Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

• Reheat: Gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to restore creaminess.

• Freeze: Can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly to prevent separation.

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FAQs

What pasta shapes work best?

Long cuts like linguine or tagliatelle let the sauce cling beautifully, but penne, rigatoni, or orecchiette are equally delicious. RedditWikipedia+9Don’t Go Bacon My Heart+9YouTube+9

Can I use fresh roasted peppers instead of jarred?

Absolutely! Roast under a broiler or on a grill until charred, steam in a covered bowl, peel, and seed for fresh flavor. Don’t Go Bacon My HeartThe Pioneer Woman

Is there a dairy-free version?

Yes—replace cream with cashew or other plant-based milk, and omit Parmesan for a vegan-friendly alternative. Munching with MariyahPinch of Yum

How to prevent sauce from thinning when reheating?

Reheat gently and stir in a splash of pasta water or cream gradually until desired consistency is reached.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Store sauce separately for up to 3 days and recombine with freshly cooked pasta before serving.

What proteins pair well with this pasta?

Shrimp, grilled chicken, Italian sausage, or crispy prosciutto offer great complements. La Cucina ItalianaPinch of Yum

How spicy is this dish?

It’s mild by default; you can customize heat with red pepper flakes or smoked paprika. EatingWell+15Reddit+15The Guardian+15

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely—spinach, broccoli, or roasted cherry tomatoes are excellent additions. Munching with MariyahFood52

How to thin a thick sauce?

Reserve pasta water and gradually add it while stirring to loosen the sauce without losing creaminess. Don’t Go Bacon My Heart+6Pinch of Yum+6The Guardian+6

Is this suitable for meal prep?

Yes—prepare sauce ahead and store. Add just-cooked pasta before meals or reheat as needed.

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Conclusion

Roasted Red Pepper Pasta is a deliciously simple yet elegant meal, marrying caramelized shallots, creamy sweetness, and comforting textures in just 30 minutes. It’s a flexible canvas—ready to adapt to your pantry ingredients and tailored to every dinner need, from cozy nights in to last-minute entertaining. Enjoy cooking—and buon appetito

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