Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce is a creamy, flavorful sauce that comes together quickly and adds a gourmet touch to your favorite pasta dishes. Made with roasted red peppers, garlic, and a touch of cream, this velvety sauce has a sweet, smoky depth that pairs beautifully with everything from spaghetti to penne. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners and can easily be made vegan or dairy-free with simple swaps.

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 oilgarlic clovesyellow oniontomato pasteheavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)parmesan cheese (optional)saltblack pepperred pepper flakes (optional for heat)fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)pasta of your choice

directions

Cook your pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent.

Add garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.

Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Add roasted red peppers and cook for another 2 minutes.

Transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.

Return the sauce to the skillet over low heat. Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese (if using). Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen it.

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes

Variations

Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a vegan version.

Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein.

Blend in a few sun-dried tomatoes for a tangier twist.

Use smoked paprika to enhance the smoky flavor.

Top with toasted pine nuts for crunch and richness.

storage/reheating

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed.The sauce can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use fresh red peppers instead of jarred?

Yes, just roast them until charred, peel off the skins, and proceed with the recipe.

Is this sauce spicy?

It’s mild by default. Add red pepper flakes if you like it spicy.

Can I use a hand blender?

Yes, but a regular blender yields a smoother texture.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely, it reheats beautifully and the flavors deepen over time.

Do I need to peel jarred peppers?

No, they’re already peeled and ready to use.

Can I skip the cream?

Yes, though it won’t be as rich—substitute with broth or plant-based milk.

What pasta goes best with this sauce?

Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli holds the sauce well, but any pasta works.

Is this sauce gluten-free?

The sauce is gluten-free—just use gluten-free pasta to keep the dish GF.

Can I add cheese on top?

Yes, sprinkle extra parmesan or mozzarella before serving.

What if I don’t have tomato paste?

You can use a little canned tomato sauce or puree, though it may affect the thickness.

Conclusion

Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce is a creamy, comforting dish that’s as quick as it is delicious. With its smoky-sweet flavor and luscious texture, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe for weeknight meals or elegant dinners alike. Whether you’re keeping it simple or customizing it with add-ins, this sauce is the perfect way to elevate your pasta g