Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

Whenever I find myself craving something creamy and comforting, I think of Roasted Red Pepper Pasta. This dish has a way of capturing the essence of home with its rich flavors and vibrant colors. I remember the first time I tried it; the moment I took a bite, the creamy sauce enveloped the rigatoni, and it felt like a warm hug on a chilly evening. The combination of roasted red peppers and fresh basil creates a mouthwatering aroma that fills the kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table. It’s one of those recipes that has a special place in my heart, and I love to share it with friends and family. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this pasta always hits the spot. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip it up in no time. I can’t wait to share my secret with you!

What Goes Into Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

The ingredients for Roasted Red Pepper Pasta are simple yet full of flavor. Each component plays a vital role in creating that creamy, rich sauce that makes this dish so special. The star of the show is definitely the roasted red peppers, which provide a sweet and smoky flavor, while the rigatoni serves as the perfect canvas to carry the sauce.

• 116-ounce jar roasted red peppers, drained (about 7 peppers, 2 cups sliced) – These roasted red peppers give the sauce its vibrant color and rich flavor.
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk – This almond milk adds creaminess without the heaviness of dairy.
• ¾ cup fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish – The fresh basil brightens the dish and adds a lovely herbal note.
• 6 oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, about 3 tablespoons chopped – These sun-dried tomatoes contribute a tangy sweetness that complements the peppers beautifully.
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil – This olive oil enriches the sauce and adds a depth of flavor.
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, plus more to taste – A splash of lemon juice balances the richness of the sauce.
• 2 garlic cloves – Fresh garlic brings an aromatic punch to the dish.
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika – This smoked paprika enhances the roasted flavor profile.
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste – Sea salt helps to season the sauce perfectly.
• 12 ounces rigatoni pasta – The rigatoni is excellent for holding onto the creamy sauce.
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus shavings for serving – The Parmesan cheese adds a savory richness that ties everything together.
• Pine nuts, for serving – Toasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch.
• Red pepper flakes, for serving – A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a kick of heat.

Recipe Directions for Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

Cooking Roasted Red Pepper Pasta is straightforward and fun! You’ll love how quickly the flavors come together. Let’s dive into the steps that will lead you to a delicious pasta dish.

1. In a blender, place the roasted red peppers, almond milk, basil, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, and sea salt. Blend until creamy. You want a smooth consistency, which means blending thoroughly to ensure there are no chunks left.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, cook the rigatoni for about 10 minutes. Remember, we want it to be just shy of al dente since it will continue cooking in the sauce. Watch for the pasta to become tender but still have a slight bite to it.
3. Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Pour in the blended sauce and stir, allowing it to heat through. You’ll notice the deep red color and rich aroma filling the kitchen as it warms up.
4. Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the sauce. Stir gently to combine, ensuring that every piece of pasta is coated with that delicious sauce. It’s important to be gentle here to avoid breaking the pasta.
5. Cook the pasta and sauce together over low heat for about 3 to 5 minutes. During this time, the sauce will thicken slightly, and the flavors will meld beautifully. Keep an eye on the consistency; it should cling to the pasta nicely.
6. Once the sauce thickens and the pasta reaches al dente, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan, allowing it to melt into the sauce. This adds a lovely creaminess and depth of flavor.
7. Season the dish to taste with additional salt and lemon juice if desired. This is where you can adjust the balance of flavors to your liking.
8. To serve, plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil, shavings of Parmesan, toasted pine nuts, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. The presentation will be as delightful as the taste.
9. Enjoy this creamy, flavorful Roasted Red Pepper Pasta with your family and friends. It’s perfect for sharing!

Helpful Hints

Here are some tips to elevate your cooking experience with Roasted Red Pepper Pasta. Let’s make sure your dish turns out perfectly every time!

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently to maintain the creaminess of the sauce.
• Freezing: If you want to freeze the sauce, do so before adding the pasta. It will keep well for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Pairing: This pasta pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Variations: Feel free to add sautéed vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Garnishes: Experiment with different garnishes like toasted walnuts or fresh herbs to add variety.

What to Serve Alongside Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

• Garlic Bread: A slice of warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. It complements the creamy texture of the pasta.
• Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
• Grilled Chicken: Serve with grilled chicken for added protein and flavor. The smoky taste pairs well with the roasted red pepper sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, can add color and nutrition to your meal.
• Wine Pairing: For a sophisticated touch, serve with a glass of sparkling water or a light drink to cleanse the palate.
• Seasonal Occasions: This dish is perfect for casual weeknight dinners or festive gatherings during any season.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Roasted Red Pepper Pasta stands out with its creamy texture and rich flavors, making it a beloved dish for any pasta lover. I encourage you to try making it yourself; you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create such a delightful meal. Gather your ingredients, invite your friends, and enjoy a comforting bowl of pasta that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

The ultimate comfort food, Roasted Red Pepper Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that satisfies any craving. Easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner, this pasta envelops your taste buds in rich flavors. You won't want to miss out on this delicious meal!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Pasta

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Vitamix Blender

Ingredients

  

• 1 jar Roasted Red Peppers drained (about 7 peppers, 2 cups sliced)
• 1 cup Almond Milk
• ¾ cup Fresh Basil Leaves plus more for garnish
• 6 pieces Sun-Dried Tomatoes about 3 tablespoons chopped
• 3 tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice plus more to taste
• 2 cloves Garlic
• ½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• ¼ teaspoon Sea Salt plus more to taste
• 12 ounces Rigatoni Pasta
• ¼ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese plus shavings for serving
• Pine Nuts for serving
• Red Pepper Flakes for serving

Instructions

 

• In a blender, place the roasted red peppers, almond milk, basil, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, and sea salt. Blend until creamy.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni for 10 minutes, approximately 3 to 5 minutes shy of al dente. It will finish cooking in the sauce.
• Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat and add the sauce. Stir in the pasta. Cook, stirring, over low heat for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the pasta is al dente.
• Add the grated Parmesan and stir until it melts into the sauce. Remove from the heat.
• Season to taste with more salt and lemon juice as desired. Top with basil, Parmesan shavings, pine nuts, and red pepper flakes and serve.

Notes

• Tip 1: You can also use homemade Roasted Red Peppers in this recipe.
• Tip 2: If using homemade peppers, you may want to add a few additional pinches of salt to your final sauce since jarred red peppers contain salt.

Keyword Creamy Pasta Recipes, Easy Pasta Dishes, Italian Comfort Food, Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

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Meet Elena Vance

I am passionate about the idea that we eat with our eyes first, so I strive to make food look just as good as it tastes. I work closely with the team to style and photograph our dishes, giving you a clear, beautiful guide on what to aim for. I had so much fun preparing this recipe, and I hope you find just as much joy in making it (and eating it!) as we did.