A delightful pasta dish featuring a creamy sauce made from roasted red peppers, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Cook Time30 minutesmins
Total Time45 minutesmins
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy
Servings: 4servings
Equipment
Large Pot
Skillet
Blender
Colander
Ingredients
Pasta
8ouncesPasta of choiceFettuccine, penne, or spaghetti recommended.
Roasted Red Peppers
1cupRoasted red peppersHomemade or jarred.
Cream
1cupHeavy creamFor a lighter version, use half-and-half.
Garlic
2-3clovesGarlic, minced
Onion
1smallOnion, finely chopped
Olive Oil
2tablespoonsExtra virgin olive oilFor sautéing.
Parmesan Cheese
0.5cupParmesan cheese, grated
Salt and Pepper
SaltTo taste.
PepperTo taste.
Fresh Basil
Fresh basil leavesFor garnish.
Instructions
1. Begin by preparing the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta of your choice and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add 1 cup of roasted red peppers to the skillet and stir to combine with the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for about 5 minutes.
5. Transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth, adding reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
6. Return the blended sauce to the skillet over low heat. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir to combine. Heat gently without boiling.
7. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if necessary.
9. Allow the dish to rest for a minute before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
This dish can be customized with added proteins or vegetables. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.