![- 12 oz penne pasta - 2 large red bell peppers - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish To make the creamy roasted red pepper pasta, gather all your ingredients first. This way, you can work smoothly and enjoy the cooking process. You can also add some optional garnishes. If you like a bit more flavor, top your dish with extra Parmesan cheese. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can give it a nice kick. Fresh basil leaves not only add color but also enhance the taste. They make the dish look pretty too. This recipe is simple yet so satisfying. For the full recipe, follow along and enjoy the cooking journey! First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step warms up the oven for roasting. Next, take your two large red bell peppers. Cut them in half and remove the seeds. Place them cut side down on a baking sheet. Drizzle the peppers with olive oil. Roast them in the oven for about 25 minutes until the skin is charred. While the peppers roast, cook 12 oz of penne pasta. Follow the package instructions. Make sure to cook the pasta to al dente, as we want it firm yet tender. When it's done, drain the pasta and set it aside. After 25 minutes, take the roasted peppers out of the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes. The skin should peel off easily. Remove the charred skin and put the flesh into a blender. Add three cloves of minced garlic, one cup of heavy cream, and one teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the blender. Don’t forget a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend everything until it becomes a smooth and creamy sauce. Next, in a large skillet over medium heat, pour in your roasted red pepper sauce. Heat it through, stirring occasionally. This step enhances the flavors. Now, it's time to bring everything together. Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Toss the pasta well until it’s fully coated in that creamy sauce. Stir in one cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a rich, cheesy flavor. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve your creamy roasted red pepper pasta warm. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and more Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy this delightful and easy dish! For full details, check the Full Recipe. - Best practices for roasting red peppers: Use fresh, ripe red bell peppers for the best flavor. Cut them in half and remove the seeds. Place them cut side down on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Roast them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes. Look for charred skin; this adds a smoky taste. - Achieving the perfect creamy consistency: After roasting, let the peppers cool. Peel away the charred skin to reveal the sweet flesh. In a blender, combine the roasted peppers with garlic, heavy cream, and seasonings. Blend until smooth. This will help create a rich sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. - Suggested seasonings or spices: Italian seasoning is a great start. You can also add garlic powder or onion powder for deeper flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat if you like it spicy. - Alternatives for added richness: For a creamier sauce, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or mascarpone. Both options add richness without overpowering the dish. - Pairing ideas: This pasta pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread. You can also serve grilled chicken or shrimp on the side for extra protein. - Ideal occasions for serving: This dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. It’s quick to make and always impresses guests. Enjoy it on a cozy night in or at a summer barbecue. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} You can swap out the cream and cheese for dairy-free options. Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy. If you need gluten-free pasta, choose brown rice or chickpea pasta. These options taste great and keep the dish satisfying. Adding protein boosts the dish's nutrition. You can mix in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a tasty twist. Each option adds a new layer of flavor and makes the meal more filling. To spice it up, add chili flakes or fresh herbs like basil and parsley. A pinch of red pepper flakes can give your pasta a nice kick. Fresh herbs brighten the dish and make it more vibrant. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe for additional tips on how to customize your creamy roasted red pepper pasta. To keep your creamy roasted red pepper pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent air from spoiling the pasta. Always refrigerate your leftovers within two hours of cooking. The pasta can last up to three days in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, give it a quick taste test. If the flavors seem dull, add a splash of cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. For reheating, use a skillet on low heat. This method warms the pasta slowly and keeps it creamy. Stir often to ensure even heat. You can also microwave it, but cover it with a damp paper towel. This keeps moisture in and prevents it from drying out. If you want to save some pasta for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, divide it into single-serving portions. Place each portion in a freezer bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. This helps avoid freezer burn. To thaw, move your pasta from the freezer to the fridge the night before. If you need it faster, you can use the microwave. Just be sure it thaws evenly. Reheat it in a skillet with a bit of olive oil or cream. This will help restore its creamy texture. For the best taste, eat the frozen pasta within three months. For a full recipe, check out the complete guide. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Make the sauce and cook the pasta separately. Store them in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, simply heat the sauce and mix it with the pasta. This saves time and still tastes great. How can I make the sauce spicier? To add heat, include red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce. You can also add a splash of hot sauce. Adjust based on your spice level. Taste as you go to find the right kick! Approximate calorie count per serving Each serving has about 500 calories. This includes the pasta, sauce, and cheese. Keep in mind that adding more cheese or cream raises the calorie count. Tips for making it healthier To make this dish healthier, use whole wheat pasta instead of regular. You can also swap heavy cream for a lighter alternative, like Greek yogurt or coconut milk. Adding more veggies boosts nutrition while keeping the flavors rich. What wine goes best with this dish? A light white wine pairs well with this pasta. Look for a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio. These wines balance the creamy sauce and enhance the flavors. Which types of bread complement this pasta? Garlic bread or a crusty baguette works well with this dish. They soak up the creamy sauce nicely. You can also enjoy it with a simple salad for a fresh contrast. For a complete guide on how to make this delightful dish, check the [Full Recipe]. This blog post covered everything you need to make a delicious creamy roasted red pepper pasta. We discussed ingredients, preparation steps, and tips for great flavor. You learned about storage options and variations, along with common questions and pairing ideas. With these details, you can create a tasty meal for any occasion. Enjoy trying different flavors and sharing this dish with friends and family. Cooking should be fun and rewarding, so dive in and enjoy!](https://recipesure.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/9655fca2-9b89-41c0-87e2-b493d10770cb-250x250.webp)
Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
Indulge in a bowl of creamy roasted red pepper pasta that’s bursting with flavor! This simple recipe combines roasted red bell peppers with garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan for a decadent sauce that perfectly coats penne pasta. Ready in just 40 minutes, it's a perfect weeknight meal for the whole family. Click through to explore this delicious recipe and elevate your dinner game tonight!