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Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 125 reviews

This creamy roasted red pepper pasta sauce is a rich and flavorful way to elevate your pasta dinner. Made with marinated roasted red peppers, garlic, butter, and heavy cream, this sauce blends smoothly to create a velvety texture that clings perfectly to your favorite pasta. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Sauce Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup marinated roasted red peppers (including 1–2 tbsp marinating liquid)
  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed or minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Pasta

  • 1/2 lb pasta (such as penne, fettuccine, or your preferred type)
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, as needed

Instructions

  1. Puree the peppers and garlic: In a food processor or blender, combine the marinated roasted red peppers, including 1-2 tablespoons of the marinating liquid, and the crushed or minced garlic. Blend until the mixture is smooth.
  2. Melt the butter: Heat a small saucepan over medium-low heat and melt the 2 tablespoons of butter slowly to prevent browning.
  3. Sauté garlic: Add the fresh crushed garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  4. Cook the pepper puree: Pour the pureed peppers into the saucepan, season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture slightly thickens.
  5. Add basil and cream: Stir in the dried basil and pour in the heavy cream. Simmer the sauce for 6-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened to your liking.
  6. Cook pasta al dente: While the sauce simmers, cook your choice of pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
  7. Combine pasta and sauce: Transfer the drained pasta directly into the sauce pan and toss gently to coat. Allow the pasta to finish cooking in the sauce for optimal flavor absorption.
  8. Adjust consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it until desired consistency is reached.
  9. Serve: Plate the pasta, finish with plenty of freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and enjoy your creamy roasted red pepper pasta sauce.

Notes

  • You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a cashew cream alternative for a lighter or vegan option, though texture and richness will vary.
  • Adjust the amount of garlic and basil according to your flavor preference.
  • For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
  • Save some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as the starchiness helps bind the sauce and pasta.
  • This sauce pairs well with penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently to prevent curdling.

Keywords: creamy roasted red pepper sauce, pasta sauce, Italian sauce, roasted pepper pasta, creamy pasta sauce, easy pasta sauce recipe

Find it online: https://tastewithamy.com/creamy-roasted-red-pepper-pasta-sauce-recipe/