Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
The ultimate comfort food, Roasted Red Pepper Pasta is creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to whip up. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish features a luxurious sauce made from roasted red peppers and cream, ensuring every bite is a delight. Make it tonight for a satisfying meal!
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
- Grater
- Mixing Bowl
- Frying Pan
- Chef's Knife
- Saucepan
- Cutting Board
- Large Pot
- Blender
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 medium white onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 15-ounce jar roasted red peppers drained
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- to taste Kosher salt
- to taste Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for garnish
- to taste Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt enhances the flavor of the pasta, so don’t skip this step! Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about ten to twelve minutes. This is important because you want your pasta to have a bit of bite.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about four minutes. The onions should turn translucent and sweeten as they cook.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. You want to cook the garlic just enough to release its aroma without letting it brown, which can make it bitter.
- Next, add the drained roasted red peppers to the pan and warm them slightly. This helps release their flavors into the mix. You’re looking for a gentle warmth here, not too hot.
- Transfer the mixture to a blender. Blend until smooth, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to aid in blending. You want a creamy consistency, so don’t rush this step.
- Return the sauce to low heat. Stir in the heavy cream, vegetable broth, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for two minutes to blend the flavors. This simmering helps meld the tastes together beautifully.
- Gradually mix in the Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. The cheese adds richness and depth to your dish.
- Once the pasta is ready, drain it and add it to the creamy sauce. Toss thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. You want every piece of pasta to be well-coated in that luscious sauce.
- Divide the pasta among four bowls and top with more Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning if needed, then serve while warm. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, so dig in right away!
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.