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Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta for a Cozy Weeknight Dinner

Enjoy a comforting Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta that combines sweet roasted red peppers with creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Long-Cut Pasta (e.g., Linguine) Can substitute with fettuccine, tagliatelle, or spaghetti.
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 2 cups Roasted Red Peppers Use jarred peppers for convenience or homemade by charring fresh peppers.
  • 1 tbsp Butter Can substitute with olive oil for a lighter option.
  • 1 medium White Onion Yellow onion can be used as a substitute.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic is preferred; powdered garlic can be substituted but alters the taste.
  • 1 cup Heavy/Double Cream At room temperature prevents curdling; half-and-half can be substituted for a lighter sauce.
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Use freshly grated for the best texture; avoid powdered cheese.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Can substitute with basil or omit if unavailable.
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika Regular paprika may be used but will lack the smoky flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp Chili Flakes Adjust to taste or omit for a milder sauce.
  • to taste Salt Adjust to personal preference.
  • to taste Black Pepper Adjust to personal preference.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • large deep pan
  • blender

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add long-cut pasta, such as linguine, and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8–10 minutes. Reserve about a cup of pasta water, then drain the rest, returning the pasta to the pot while you prepare the sauce.
  2. While the pasta cooks, squeeze excess brine from the jarred roasted red peppers. Set them aside.
  3. In a large deep pan, melt a generous tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced white onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until soft and golden. Next, add minced garlic and continue to sauté for another minute.
  4. Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic mixture to a blender, adding the roasted red peppers. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  5. Return the blended sauce to the pan and set it over low heat. Stir in room temperature heavy cream, blending the ingredients together, and allow to simmer for about 3–4 minutes.
  6. Mix in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and smoked paprika. Add chili flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste.
  7. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing until all the noodles are thoroughly coated. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add a splash of reserved pasta water.
  8. Serve the creamy roasted red pepper pasta immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 12gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 750IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure heavy cream is at room temperature to prevent curdling. Use freshly grated Parmesan for a creamy texture.

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