Creamy Red Pepper Pasta
Sometimes, the most unexpected dinners become household legends. That’s exactly what happened the night I first made this Creamy Red Pepper Pasta. It all started with a half-full jar of roasted red peppers staring at me from the fridge, begging not to be wasted. I had cream, Parmesan, and a box of spaghetti on hand, and decided to give it a go. What came together was magic—a silky, savory, slightly sweet sauce that clings to every strand of pasta like a warm hug.
My husband couldn’t stop eating it. My kids, who usually give anything “red” a suspicious look, were twirling forkfuls like seasoned pasta lovers. Even the leftovers disappeared faster than I could say “tomorrow’s lunch.” It’s now one of our go-to comfort meals, especially on those busy weeknights when time is short but everyone’s hungry for something delicious and homemade.
What I love most is how this dish feels fancy without actually being fussy. There’s no long ingredient list, no hard-to-find items, and it all comes together in the time it takes to boil pasta. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a friend for a cozy dinner, this pasta never fails to impress. It’s rich, flavorful, and comforting—everything you want in a weeknight hero. And once you try it, I promise it’ll earn a permanent spot in your meal rotation too.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Can I use jarred roasted red peppers?
Absolutely! Jarred roasted red peppers are perfect and make this dish super convenient. Just drain them before blending.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all—it’s creamy with a mild sweetness from the peppers. You can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or oat milk, and use a vegan Parmesan-style cheese.
Does this sauce freeze well?
It does! Just store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently and stir well before serving.
Can I add protein to make it more filling?
Definitely. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy tofu work wonderfully here.
What You Need to Make Creamy Red Pepper Pasta
Ingredients:
12 oz spaghetti or pasta of choice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 (12 oz) jar roasted red peppers, drained
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Special Tools:
Blender or food processor (for blending the sauce)
Large sauté pan or skillet
Pasta pot
How to Make Creamy Red Pepper Pasta
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 4–5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Blend the sauce: Transfer the cooked onion and garlic to a blender. Add the roasted red peppers and blend until smooth.
Simmer the sauce: Pour the blended mixture back into the skillet over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine and serve: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If needed, use a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs and more Parmesan.
Tips for Making the Best Creamy Red Pepper Pasta
Roast your own peppers if you have time—simply char them over an open flame or under the broiler for extra depth.
Don’t skip the reserved pasta water—a splash helps emulsify and loosen the sauce just right.
Add-ins are welcome! Try sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
Make it spicy by adding red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Use good Parmesan—freshly grated cheese melts better and gives a richer flavor than the pre-shredded kind.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This was an instant family favorite! Even my toddler had seconds, which NEVER happens.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Delicious and easy! Next time I’ll double the batch to freeze half for a busy night.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Creamy, comforting, and totally satisfying. I added grilled chicken and it was a hit.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️ “The flavor was great but I’d add a bit of spice next time—maybe red pepper flakes or cayenne.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Made this for a girls’ night and everyone wanted the recipe. Total crowd pleaser!”
Printable Recipe
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Creamy Red Pepper Pasta
This Creamy Red Pepper Pasta is a rich and comforting dish made with roasted red peppers, garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for weeknights or special dinners, it’s easy to make, kid-approved, and full of flavor. Add your favorite protein for a heartier meal!
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (12 oz) jar roasted red peppers, drained
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Special Tools:
- Blender or food processor (for blending the sauce)
- Large sauté pan or skillet
- Pasta pot
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 4–5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Blend the sauce: Transfer the cooked onion and garlic to a blender. Add the roasted red peppers and blend until smooth.
- Simmer the sauce: Pour the blended mixture back into the skillet over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and serve: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If needed, use a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs and more Parmesan.
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