Description
Learn how to make this incredibly delicious and easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta! This detailed recipe features a creamy, vibrant sauce made with jarred roasted red peppers, fresh basil, and simple pantry staples. Get step-by-step instructions, variations, and a comprehensive FAQ.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6–8 oz pasta of choice
- 1 16-oz jar roasted red peppers, drained
- 3 leaves fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 an onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced (about 2–3 cloves)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (for serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for serving)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package directions, or until al dente.
- Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. This will be used to adjust the sauce consistency later.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Make the Roasted Red Pepper Puree:
- Drain the jar of roasted red peppers.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the drained roasted red peppers and fresh basil leaves.
- Process until smooth.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Build the Sauce:
- Add the roasted red pepper puree to the skillet with the onions and garlic.
- Stir to combine.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir well.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce.
- Stir to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Add the butter and stir until melted and incorporated. This adds richness and helps thicken the sauce.
- Add pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
6. Serve:
- Serve immediately.
- Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.