Description
This Roasted Red Pepper Rigatoni is a creamy and flavorful pasta dish that combines tender rigatoni with a smooth roasted red pepper sauce, enriched with cream cheese, parmesan, and a hint of garlic and shallots. Perfect for a comforting main course, this recipe is easy to prepare and brings rich American flavors to your table in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic (approximately 3-4 cloves)
- 3 shallots (thinly sliced) or 1/2 medium yellow onion
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup half-and-half (or substitute with milk or heavy cream)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature and cubed)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 12 oz jar of roasted red peppers (in water; drained and rinsed)
Garnishment
- Fresh or dried basil
- Grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the rigatoni in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté shallots and garlic: In a preheated pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced shallots and cook until they become transparent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Create the creamy sauce: Pour in the half-and-half, then add the cubed cream cheese and grated parmesan cheese. Stir continuously and cook until the cream cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add roasted red peppers: Stir in the drained and rinsed roasted red peppers to warm them through in the sauce, about 2-3 minutes.
- Blend the sauce: Transfer the sauce mixture to a blender and blend until smooth and silky. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Return the sauce to the pan or a large bowl and toss it with the cooked rigatoni to coat evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the pasta with fresh or dried basil and additional grated parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- For a richer sauce, substitute half-and-half with heavy cream.
- You can use any pasta shape you prefer, although rigatoni holds the sauce well.
- Make sure cream cheese is softened to room temperature to ensure it melts smoothly.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste after blending the sauce.
- Fresh basil adds a bright flavor compared to dried; use what you have on hand.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
