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Creamy Italian Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce

A deliciously creamy sauce made from roasted red peppers, perfect for elevating your pasta dishes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Sauce
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 large red bell peppers Look for unblemished and ripe peppers.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or a dairy-free alternative) Substitutes include half-and-half, coconut cream, or cashew cream.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Optional, for extra richness.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • as needed Fresh basil for garnish
  • your choice pasta Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti Pasta of choice to pair with the sauce.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the peppers in half, remove the seeds, and place them cut side down on a baking sheet. Roast for about 25-30 minutes or until the skins are blistered and blackened.
  2. Once the peppers are out of the oven, cover them with aluminum foil for 10 minutes to steam off the skins. After cooling, peel away the skins.
Cooking
  1. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute), being careful not to let it brown.
  2. In a blender, combine the peeled roasted peppers, sautéed garlic, and heavy cream. Blend until smooth. If needed, add a splash of pasta water for a thinner consistency.
  3. Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water, drain, and then return the pasta to the pot.
  4. Pour the creamy sauce over the pasta, mixing well to coat. If it seems too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese (if using) and season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

For herb variations, consider adding dried oregano or thyme when blending the sauce. Grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp can nicely complement this dish.