This easy roasted red pepper pasta sauce is rich, creamy, and full of smoky-sweet flavor. Made with simple pantry staples and roasted red peppers, it’s the perfect quick weeknight dinner that tastes gourmet. Blended to a smooth and velvety texture, this sauce clings beautifully to any pasta you love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes
Packed with deep, roasted flavor and a creamy finish
Requires only a few simple ingredients
A great alternative to traditional tomato-based sauces
Easily customizable for vegan, dairy-free, or spicy versions
Freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep
Pairs well with a variety of pasta types
Delicious on its own or with added proteins
Crowd-pleasing and kid-friendly
Restaurant-quality flavor at home

ingredients

Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce (Creamy Recipe)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)
Olive oil
Garlic cloves
Onion
Tomato paste
Heavy cream (or plant-based alternative)
Grated Parmesan cheese
Salt
Black pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta of choice

directions

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add chopped roasted red peppers and cook for a few more minutes to blend flavors.
Transfer mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender to purée until smooth.
Return sauce to the skillet over low heat. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan.
Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for a few minutes.
Toss with cooked pasta and serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes approximately 25 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a busy weeknight meal.

Variations

Vegan: Use plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast.
Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Protein boost: Stir in grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Nutty twist: Blend in a spoonful of cashew butter for extra creaminess.
Herby: Finish with fresh basil or parsley for added freshness.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What pasta works best with this sauce?

Any pasta with nooks and crannies works well, like penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or fettuccine.

Can I use fresh roasted red peppers instead of jarred?

Yes! You can roast red peppers at home in the oven or over a flame and peel them before using.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The sauce itself is gluten-free—just pair it with your favorite gluten-free pasta.

How can I make this sauce dairy-free?

Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and use a dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese entirely.

Does it taste strongly of peppers?

No, the flavor is balanced and mellow, with a subtle sweetness from the roasted peppers.

Can I add meat to this sauce?

Absolutely—grilled chicken, Italian sausage, or bacon pair wonderfully.

Is this sauce freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes very well. Cool it completely before storing in a freezer-safe container.

Can I use this sauce on pizza or other dishes?

Definitely! It’s great as a base for pizza or a creamy drizzle over grilled vegetables or chicken.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

Simmer it uncovered to reduce, or add a bit of grated Parmesan to help it thicken naturally.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, it stores beautifully in the fridge for several days and tastes even better the next day.

Conclusion

This creamy roasted red pepper pasta sauce is a flavorful, versatile recipe that will quickly become a go-to favorite. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick dinner or prepping for the week ahead, it’s a delicious and elegant option that never disappoints. Serve it over your favorite pasta, and enjoy restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

Let me know if you’d like this formatted into a printable recipe card or blog post layout!