15-Minute Creamy Red Pepper

A vibrant, quick pasta dish featuring a silky roasted red pepper sauce with garlic, cream, and Parmesan—perfect for busy weeknights.

This creamy red pepper pasta has become my go-to on hectic evenings when I want something comforting yet fast to make.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 200 g (7 oz) dried penne or spaghetti
• Sauce: 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 (340 g / 12 oz) jar roasted red peppers, drained and roughly chopped 100 ml (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp) heavy cream 40 g (¼ cup) grated Parmesan cheese ½ teaspoon smoked paprika Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Garnish: Fresh basil leaves, torn (optional) Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

Prep ingredients easily by chopping vegetables, slicing meats, and serving dishes neatly during everyday cooking.

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Step 1:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Step 2:

Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, sauté for 23 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3:

Add the chopped roasted red peppers and smoked paprika to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 4:

Transfer the red pepper mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender to purée until smooth.

Step 5:

Return the purée to the skillet over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Season with salt and black pepper. Simmer for 23 minutes until the sauce is creamy and heated through.

Step 6:

Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 7:

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired.

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My family loves gathering around this warm dish, sharing stories with smiles as the creamy flavors bring everyone closer.

Required Tools

Large pot Large skillet Blender or immersion blender Measuring cups and spoons Knife and chopping board

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (cream, Parmesan) and wheat (pasta). For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and verify all labels.

Nutritional Information

Calories 540 Total Fat 19 g Carbohydrates 73 g Protein 17 g per serving

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Keeps spoons and utensils off counters while cooking, catching drips and keeping your stovetop clean.

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Enjoy this quick creamy pasta anytime you crave a simple yet flavorful dinner.

Ask About This Recipe

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Dried penne or spaghetti are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce well and cook quickly to al dente texture.

→ Can I make this vegan?

Yes, substitute heavy cream with plant-based alternatives and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version.

→ How can I adjust the sauce thickness?

If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

→ What spices enhance the flavor?

Smoked paprika adds depth, while a pinch of chili flakes can provide a subtle heat if desired.

→ Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate gluten-free needs, ensuring all other ingredients comply with dietary restrictions.