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To make Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta, you need these simple ingredients: - 12 oz penne pasta - 2 large red bell peppers, roasted and peeled - 1 cup heavy cream - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat These ingredients work together to create a rich and tasty dish. The roasted red peppers bring a sweet, smoky flavor. Heavy cream makes the sauce creamy and smooth. The garlic adds a nice kick. If you want some heat, add red pepper flakes. You can try using different pastas if you prefer. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type. Each ingredient is key to making this dish a success. I find that using fresh ingredients really helps boost the flavor. The basil at the end adds a lovely pop of color and freshness. Enjoy gathering these items for your cooking adventure! - Preheating the oven: Start by warming your oven to 400°F (200°C). - Roasting process and timing: Place the whole red bell peppers on a baking sheet. Roast them for about 20-25 minutes. Turn them halfway through. You want the skin to be charred. - Steaming and peeling: Once done, remove the peppers and cover them with foil. Let them steam for 10 minutes. This helps to loosen the skin. After steaming, peel off the charred skin and remove the seeds. - Boiling water preparation: While the peppers cool, fill a large pot with water. Add salt and bring it to a boil. - Cooking time and tips: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. - Reserving pasta water: Before draining, save 1/2 cup of pasta water. This water helps to adjust the sauce later. - Blending ingredients: In a blender, add the roasted red peppers, heavy cream, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. - Achieving the right consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a bit of reserved pasta water. Blend again until you reach a nice, creamy texture. - Heating the sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Pour the creamy red pepper sauce into the skillet. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring often. - Tossing pasta with sauce and cheese: Add the cooked penne to the skillet. Stir until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts and becomes creamy. - Adjusting seasoning: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve it in bowls and top with fresh basil leaves. If you like heat, sprinkle on red pepper flakes. - To keep pasta from sticking, use plenty of water. Salt the water well before boiling. Stir the pasta right after adding it. This step helps separate the noodles. - When blending, ensure your red pepper mixture is smooth. Let the peppers cool a bit. This makes blending easier and safer. If your blender struggles, add a splash of pasta water. - To boost flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or oregano. A squeeze of lemon juice can add brightness too. You can also sprinkle in some freshly cracked black pepper for extra warmth. - Always use fresh ingredients for the best taste. Fresh basil enhances the dish, while fresh garlic packs a punch. Choosing high-quality olive oil makes a big difference in flavor. - Avoid overcooking your pasta. Check it a minute or two before the package time. You want it al dente, firm yet tender. - Balancing flavors is key. If your sauce tastes bland, it may need more salt or seasoning. Taste as you go, and adjust based on your preference. {{image_2}} You can add proteins to enhance your creamy roasted red pepper pasta. Here are some tasty options: - Chicken: Cooked and diced chicken breast adds great flavor. - Shrimp: Sauté shrimp until pink and toss them in for a seafood twist. - Tofu: For a plant-based option, use firm tofu. Sauté it until golden for extra texture. If you have dietary needs, you can easily adapt this recipe. - Gluten-Free Pasta Alternatives: Swap the penne for gluten-free pasta made from rice or quinoa. - Dairy-Free Substitutions: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese. You can change the flavor of the pasta with simple additions. - Adding Vegetables or Herbs: Spinach or peas blend well in this dish. Fresh basil or parsley adds a nice touch too. - Adjusting Spice Levels: If you enjoy heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a kick. You can also reduce spice if you prefer mild flavors. To keep your creamy roasted red pepper pasta fresh, place it in an airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature first before sealing. This helps avoid moisture buildup. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the pasta may lose its creamy texture and flavor. To reheat, you can use a microwave or a stovetop. If using a microwave, place the pasta in a bowl and cover it. Heat it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For stovetop, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. This helps avoid a dry texture, ensuring it stays creamy and delicious. If you want to freeze portions, let the pasta cool completely. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Divide into single servings for easy meals later. Creamy pasta can be frozen for up to two months. When reheating frozen pasta, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then reheat using stovetop or microwave as mentioned earlier. This keeps the flavors intact and the texture smooth. You can serve this pasta with a simple green salad. A nice Caesar salad pairs well too. Garlic bread is a tasty side that everyone loves. If you want protein, grilled chicken or shrimp works great. Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge for up to two days. Cook the pasta fresh when you are ready to eat. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy. To spice up the sauce, add red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat. If you love spice, feel free to go wild! Absolutely! You can use any pasta you like. Fusilli, spaghetti, or even gluten-free options work well. Just make sure to cook it according to package directions for best results. You can use half-and-half for a lighter option. Coconut cream is a great dairy-free choice. Silken tofu blended with a bit of water can also give you a creamy texture. To make it vegan, swap heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. You can also add more veggies for flavor and texture. You can find the full recipe in the earlier sections of this article. It includes all the steps and ingredients you need to make this delightful dish. This creamy roasted red pepper pasta features fresh ingredients and simple steps. You learned about roasting peppers, cooking pasta, and making the sauce. You can add proteins or modify for dietary needs. Store leftovers wisely to enjoy later or freeze for quick meals. Remember to avoid common cooking mistakes for the best results. Your kitchen creativity can shine with this dish, making it a family favorite. Enjoy crafting this delightful meal, and don't hesitate to tweak it to suit your taste!

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

Indulge in this creamy roasted red pepper pasta that will elevate your dinner game! With just a few simple ingredients like roasted red peppers, heavy cream, and Parmesan, you'll create a deliciously rich sauce that beautifully coats penne pasta. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees satisfaction.
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Ingredients
  

12 oz penne pasta

2 large red bell peppers, roasted and peeled

1 cup heavy cream

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions
 

Roast the Peppers: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the whole red bell peppers on a baking sheet and roast for about 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through until the skin is charred. Remove from the oven, cover with foil, and let them steam for 10 minutes. Peel off the charred skin and remove the seeds.

    Cook the Pasta: While the peppers are cooling, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

      Make the Sauce: In a blender, combine the roasted red peppers, heavy cream, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.

        Combine: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Pour the creamy red pepper sauce into the skillet and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.

          Toss with Pasta: Add the cooked penne to the skillet, and stir until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.

            Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Divide the creamy pasta into serving bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Add red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.

              Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 4