Name: Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb pasta; 2 red bell peppers, halved (stems and seeds removed); ½ large yellow onion, cut into two pieces (or 1 small onion, halved); 4 cloves garlic; 3 tablespoons olive oil; ¾ cup heavy cream; ¾ cup vegetable stock, divided; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil

Jump to Recipe·4 from 13 reviews

Get ready to fall in love with this Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Recipe, a truly delightful dish that will bring comfort and vibrant flavors to your dinner table. This pasta combines the natural sweetness and slight smokiness of roasted red peppers with a luscious, velvety cream sauce, making every bite feel indulgent yet surprisingly simple. Perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests without breaking a sweat, this recipe balances freshness, creaminess, and a touch of aromatic garlic and onion for a truly unforgettable meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish on a white marbled surface, filled with six large pieces of deep red bell peppers and five thick wedges of white onion mixed evenly. The vegetables are sprinkled with coarse black pepper, adding small dark specks over the shiny, smooth surface of the peppers and the matte texture of the onion. The peppers are plump and glossy while the onions look firm and clean, with their pale layers slightly visible. In the center of the dish, a few small cloves of garlic are nestled among the vegetables. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Recipe lies in using fresh, straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in texture and flavor. These essentials work together to create a sauce that is rich, flavorful, and perfectly smooth, while the pasta forms the comforting base.

1 lb pasta: Choose your favorite type to soak up all the delicious sauce.
2 red bell peppers, halved: Roasting these brings out their natural sweetness and smokiness.
½ large yellow onion, cut into two pieces: Adds a subtle onion flavor that melts perfectly when roasted.
4 cloves garlic: Roasted garlic offers a mellow, rich depth that complements the peppers beautifully.
3 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for roasting and enriching the sauce.
¾ cup heavy cream: Creates that luscious, silky texture everyone loves.
¾ cup vegetable stock, divided: Balances the cream and adds a savory note without overpowering the dish.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning that enhances all the natural flavors.
Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, for serving (optional): Fantastic finishing touches that bring color and an aromatic lift.

How to Make Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the halved red peppers, onion pieces, and garlic cloves into a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and ¼ cup of vegetable stock, then toss gently to evenly coat. Roast these for 25–30 minutes until the peppers are soft and lightly charred. Once done, carefully cover the dish with aluminum foil and let everything steam for about 10 minutes – this step makes peeling the peppers a breeze and intensifies their flavors.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While your veggies are steaming, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and then return it to the pot, ready to be combined with the sauce.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

Now for the heart of this Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Recipe. Peel off as much pepper skin as you can – the roasting and steaming loosen it right up. In a high-powered blender, combine the roasted peppers, onion, garlic, and all the delicious pan juices. Add in the heavy cream, remaining ½ cup vegetable stock, and season with salt and black pepper. Blend everything until the sauce is completely smooth and silky.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Pour the luscious sauce over your cooked pasta. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure each strand or piece is cloaked in that rich, creamy goodness. The sauce clings beautifully to the pasta, making every bite a perfect harmony of texture and flavor.

How to Serve Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Recipe

A bowl of rigatoni pasta covered in a thick, creamy orange sauce is shown from above. The pasta pieces are tube-shaped and hold the sauce well, giving a smooth texture. There are small green basil leaves sprinkled on top, adding a fresh contrast of color. Lightly grated white cheese is scattered over the sauce, creating a fine, textured layer. A silver spoon rests on the right inside edge of the white bowl. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To truly elevate this dish, sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese on top right before serving – it adds a salty, nutty dimension that’s hard to resist. Fresh basil leaves also add a burst of color and a slightly sweet, herbal aroma that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the cream sauce.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess, or some roasted vegetables for a hearty accompaniment. Garlic bread or a warm baguette can also be perfect to soak up any leftover sauce on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls and garnish with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a few whole basil leaves. You can also add toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of chili flakes for an exciting textural or flavor twist. Adding a colorful side of roasted cherry tomatoes can brighten both the plate and your palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your creamy roasted red pepper pasta leftovers will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the pasta completely before storing to retain its texture and prevent the sauce from breaking down.

Freezing

While the Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the sauce separately in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Avoid freezing the pasta itself, as it tends to get mushy upon thawing.

Reheating

When reheating, gently warm the sauce on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently, and add a splash of vegetable stock or cream if it becomes too thick. Toss the freshly cooked pasta into the warmed sauce for the best texture, rather than reheating pasta and sauce together.

FAQs

Can I use jarred roasted red peppers instead of roasting my own?

Absolutely, jarred roasted red peppers can be a convenient shortcut. Just make sure to drain them well and check the seasoning, as some jars contain added salt or oil that might affect the sauce flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

To make this Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Recipe vegan, substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like cashew cream or coconut milk and use vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for topping.

What pasta shapes work best with this sauce?

This creamy sauce clings beautifully to both long strands like fettuccine and short shapes like penne or rigatoni. Choose your favorite or what you have on hand – it will taste amazing either way!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply opt for your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. The sauce ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so just be sure to check your pasta packaging for gluten-free certification.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is mild and creamy without any heat, but if you love a little kick, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes either into the sauce or sprinkled on top when serving.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Recipe is truly a celebration of comfort food done right – it’s rich, easy to prepare, and packed with fresh flavors that feel special yet uncomplicated. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends, it’s a dish that invites smiles and seconds. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the cozy, velvety goodness that makes this pasta a new favorite in your kitchen!

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need