This Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta is super quick and seriously delicious. The perfect meal to add to your family rotation dinners!
Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
I’m all about a quick and easy dinner these days. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes I’m up for a kitchen marathon to make a fancy dinner, but usually, I’m more up for a 15min or less kinda deal. Creamy roasted red pepper pasta embodies everything a quick family dinner should be. Simple to make and packed with flavour.
As a regular midweek appearance, it’s important to me that this recipe is convenient. Therefore, I’ve kept the ingredient list short but sweet. Here’s what you’ll need:
Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Ingredients
- Roasted Red Peppers
- Pasta of choice
- Cream & Butter
- Parmesan & Parsley
- Onion & Garlic
- Smoked Paprika
Just 9 ingredients!
*victory dances all the way to the kitchen then questions if 9 is actually that good or not*
When I first developed this recipe I was working towards a 5-ingredient kinda deal, but I knew something was missing.
I’ve seen a few recipes similar to this and none of them use smoked paprika. For me, smoked paprika is what takes this recipe to new levels. The way that smokey twang enhances the roasted char from the peppers is almost too much to bear.
I’m also a big fan of using garlic in this recipe. Cream and garlic are already a match made in heaven, but when combined with parsley, parmesan and butter it just makes so much sense. Sure, 5-ingredient pasta has more of a ring to it, but every ingredient in this recipe is adding something special to the dish which results in something truly quite special.
Roasted Red Peppers
These bad boys make the world go round. Seriously.
I actually use jarred roasted red peppers for this recipe for 2 reasons:
- Convenience – I’ve really tried to make this as week-night friendly as possible and roasted red peppers from the jar are key.
- Brine – They usually come in a vinegary kind of brine and although I don’t pour it in the sauce, what’s left on the peppers after I drain it away actually works nicely with the creamy sauce. The sauce itself is quite rich, so just a touch of acidity cuts through quite nicely.
Having said that, if you want to make your own roasted red peppers then it’s also pretty easy. Here’s how I make mine:
How to make Roasted Red Peppers
- Place your peppers next to the live flame on the hob or under the grill.
- Rotate it every minute or so until all sides are completely charred.
- Place in a bowl with cling film over until completely cooled.
- Peel away skin.
Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
Roasted red peppers lend themselves perfectly to a pasta sauce. Here’s how easy it is to make the base:
How to make a sauce from Roasted Red Peppers (quick summary)
- Melt butter into a saucepan.
- Add onion and garlic, then fry until soft.
- Add in a food processor with roasted red peppers.
- Blitz until smooth.
How to make Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
After blitzing the peppers with butter, onion and garlic, you’ll have a perfect canvas to work with. It’s tasty by itself, but pretty basic. In such case, I like to add a few extra goodies to really get the party started. Let’s welcome our good friends cream, parmesan, parsley and smoked paprika. Oh, and pasta.
What kind of pasta should I use?
For this recipe I recommend a long cut pasta. The way the sauce oozes in and out of the pasta is truly irresistible and has to be experienced. My personal favourite is linguine, but fettuccine, tagliatelle and spaghetti work great. You can also use shortcut pasta!
Best Cream for this sauce?
Double (UK) or Heavy (US). Some recipes use half and half, but I find it thins out the sauce too much and dilutes the flavour. In any instance just make sure your cream is at room temp so it doesn’t curdle in the sauce.
What type of Parmesan is best?
Always go freshly grated, or at least pre-grated. Stay away from the powdered stuff, it’ll turn the sauce grainy.
How to make Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta (quick summary)
- Pour your roasted red pepper base sauce into a pan and bring to a simmer.
- Pour in cream and stir until completely blended.
- Add in parmesan, smoked paprika, parsley and seasoning.
- Stir through pasta.
How to Serve Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
This recipe will comfortably feed 4 (don’t be deceived, it’s quite rich!). If you want to add any additions in with the pasta I recommend either grilled chicken or even chorizo!
What to serve with Roasted Red Pepper Pasta?
All in all this quick dinner is the perfect midweek meal to add some heartiness to the table. Thick and creamy yet vibrant and flavoursome, you’d be a fool to not get this foolproof dish a go. If you like the sound of this recipe definitely make sure you check out my Roasted Red Pepper Pesto Pasta!
Alrighty, let’s tuck into the full recipe!
How to make Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta (Full Recipe & Video)
Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
Equipment:
- 12" Skillet
- Large Pot (to boil pasta)
- Food Processor or Blender
- Tongs
- Wooden Spoon
- Colander
- Sharp Knife & Chopping Board
- Fine Cheese Grater
Ingredients (check list):
- 14oz / 400g Pasta (here I use Linguine)
- 16oz / 450g jar of Roasted Red Peppers (see notes)
- 1 cup / 250ml cup Heavy/Double Cream, at room temp
- 1/2 cup / 40g Parmesan, finely grated (plus extra for serving)
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 1 medium White Onion, diced
- 2 small cloves of Garlic, finely diced
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley, plus extra to serve
- 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
- pinch of Chilli Flakes, to preference
- Salt & Black Pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Pop the pasta in salted boiling water and cook until al dente.
- Squeeze the brine off of the roasted red peppers and discard. Don't rinse the peppers.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a pan over medium heat and fry the onion until it softens. Add garlic and fry for a minute or so longer, then place in a blender with the roasted red peppers. Blend to a smooth consistency.
- Pour back into the pan and keep on a simmer. Add in cream and stir until completely blended, then stir in parmesan, parsley, smoked paprika and seasoning to taste.
- Add the pasta straight from the pot and toss through the sauce until completely coated. Serve with extra parmesan and parsley!
Quick 1 min demo!
Notes:
Your Private Notes:
Nutrition:
Looking for another creamy roasted red pepper dish? Check out my Roasted Red Pepper Drenched Chicken!
If you’re looking for more easy and delicious creamy pasta recipes then check these out too:
Creamy Pasta Recipes
- Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta
- Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Creamy Salmon Pasta
- Creamy Mushroom Pasta
- Cream Cheese Pasta
If you loved this Roasted Red Pepper Pasta be sure to Pin the recipe for later! Already made it or got a question? Give me a shout in the comments and pick up your free ecookbook along the way!
42 Comments
Yas
July 3, 2023 at 4:04 pmThis pasta comes out amazing!!! So easy and simple to follow and the best part is everyone comes back for seconds. All my friends ask for the recipe.
Chris Collins
July 4, 2023 at 9:30 amThanks so much for the review, Yas! 🙂 C.
Katy
May 24, 2023 at 7:36 pmThis was great thank you! I was wondering what to do with a jar of roasted peppers….. I didn’t have any cream so put in some milk and it still worked a treat!
Laura
September 21, 2022 at 10:40 amSo much flavour! Family loved it. Thank you
Chris Collins
September 21, 2022 at 4:46 pmGreat to hear! Thanks for the review 🙂 C.
Judy W.
September 14, 2022 at 4:30 pmOMGosh..this is a family favorite. I made it the first time and my family raved!!! I get asked to make this recipe…LOL. Great with meatballs also. I do cook my chicken and add it to the sauce so the flavors marry and muah…fantastic!!
Chris Collins
September 15, 2022 at 10:38 amAh so happy to hear this went down well, Judy! Thanks for the review 🙂 C.
Stephanie
July 1, 2022 at 2:47 amI hate cooking. I was never taught and as a kid we didn’t have the money for meals that require many ingredients. When I found this recipe on your website I knew it was for me. It was so fast and easy to make but most of all it was delicious! This made my families list for sure. I also appreciate that you have some recipes that do not require meat! I love your recipes.
Chris Collins
July 1, 2022 at 11:37 pmThat’s so lovely to hear, Stephanie. Thanks so much for popping back for a review 🙂 C.
Linda
May 24, 2021 at 8:54 pmDelicious.
Chris Collins
May 24, 2021 at 10:33 pmThanks Linda! 🙂
Andrea
June 27, 2020 at 1:14 amI added a few things and changed a few things but it’s a great recipe super big hit at my house. I added feta instead of
Parmesan and I added the stock and the cream to the processor all at once and blended it with onions and garlic. I also used both basil and parsley which I also added to processor. Served or over fettuccine with garlic bread and it was amazing especially sopping up the sauce with the bread
Chris Collins
June 27, 2020 at 10:36 amThat’s great to hear, Andrea! I imagine the feta and basil took this to the next level! Thanks for popping back for a review 🙂
Ingrid
June 6, 2020 at 7:22 pmThis was absolutely delicious and easily one of my new favourites (along with your creamy salmon pasta ). I adore roasted red peppers and this makes such a nice change from using tomatoes as a base sauce. I added some chopped chorizo and chestnut mushrooms to bulk it up a bit and replaced the parsley with fresh basil as I didn’t have any fresh parsley and it was out of this world, boyfriend agreed too
Chris Collins
June 6, 2020 at 7:41 pmOh yummm – totally trying this with chorizo next time! Glad to hear it went down well, Ingrid! Thanks for popping back for a review 🙂
M
May 20, 2020 at 10:33 pmLOVED IT! I roasted fresh peppers, added a bit more garlic than 2 cloves and also added a little fresh ginger with the garlic. I only had spaghetti but next time will use linguine with this sauce, but delish none the same.
Chris Collins
May 21, 2020 at 10:23 amOooo I’ll have to try it with a touch of ginger, sounds like a great addition! Glad it went down well 🙂
Lariska
January 31, 2020 at 7:10 pmI love with this recipe!!! Cooked it and will be cooking again and again!! Thank you, Chris!!! Regards from Germany 🙂
Chris Collins
February 1, 2020 at 10:50 amSo glad you love it!! Thanks for popping back and sharing your feedback 🙂
Teri Lamour
December 31, 2019 at 1:31 amSimple to make and very delicious.
Chris Collins
December 31, 2019 at 11:44 amSo glad it went down well, Teri! 🙂
Ruth Hickey
July 20, 2019 at 7:37 amTasty and easy
Linda McCall
June 26, 2019 at 8:40 pmDelicious. I made this for dinner tonight and it was yummy! I don’t have a food processor, but I improvised with a hand blender and it turned out fine.
Chris Collins
June 27, 2019 at 11:42 amThat’s awesome to hear! Glad you enjoyed the recipe Linda 🙂
Erick
June 19, 2018 at 7:51 pmI make this all the time for my fam. It’s a fave with the wife and kid. Tasty and quick. I put less cream than you suggest and it’s still super good! Thanks!
Chris
June 19, 2018 at 10:22 pmHey Erick! That’s awesome, thanks for coming back and sharing the kind words. So glad you and the fam love it 🙂
Liv @ Healthy Liv
January 22, 2018 at 10:09 pmoh WOW this looks amazing! That last photo makes me want to take a big bite of pasta right out of the skillet- forget the plate!
Chris
January 23, 2018 at 4:10 pmHaha, thanks so much, Liv! 🙂
Christina
November 30, 2017 at 3:33 pmHahahaha, first off, the name of your blog is freaking awesome!
Second, smoked paprika is the (swear word). My pantry never goes without it! I sprinkle that goodness on meat dishes, cheese dishes, pasta dishes, you name it, it’s in there!
Third, your recipe looks off the flipping chain delicious! I’m obsessed with red peppers, I buy them every week, so I’m pinning this for later so I can make this recipe soon!
Chris
November 30, 2017 at 3:51 pmChristina! Isn’t smoked paprika just the absolute *insert several swear words* ! Thanks for brightening up my day with your comment! Hope you enjoy the recipe as much as I do 🙂
Melissa Griffiths
November 29, 2017 at 10:43 pmDreamy is a great word to describe this dish! Looks scrumptious and I love how easy it is!
Chris
November 30, 2017 at 9:57 amThanks so much, Melissa! 🙂
Jamie | A Sassy Spoon
November 29, 2017 at 7:45 pmOMG YUM! These photos make me wish I could grab some of this and chow down. Thank you for sharing, Chris!
Chris
November 30, 2017 at 2:58 pmYeah was pretty hard to resist faceplanting not gonna lie. Thanks, Jamie!! 🙂
Hannah
November 29, 2017 at 6:05 pmThis looks really tasty and moist! I really love how it’s not dry pasta and has a lot of sauce to it! Amazing!
Chris
November 29, 2017 at 6:10 pmThanks, Hannah! Saucey pasta for the win!
Suzy | The Mediterranean Dish
November 29, 2017 at 5:41 pmOMG, I make a similar pasta and my family adores it! So good!
Chris
November 29, 2017 at 5:44 pmNo way! Great families think alike 😉
sue | theviewfromgreatisland
November 29, 2017 at 5:07 pmI’m dying here…it’s gorgeous, and I have all the ingredients to make it! I adore roasted red peppers and smoked paprika!!!
Chris
November 29, 2017 at 5:12 pmSue! Thank you for your kind words! Aren’t roasted red peppers just the best!?
Linda
August 31, 2017 at 5:48 amI have just enough roasted red peppers on hand to make this work for homemade pasta.
Chris
November 29, 2017 at 5:03 pmOh fantastic! Enjoy 🙂