Name: Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 16 oz Pasta (Any shape like penne or fettuccine); 2 Red Bell Peppers (Diced); 1 medium Onion (Diced); 3 heaping tablespoons Ajvar (Smoky condiment); 1 cup Reserved Pasta Water (For sauce consistency); 1 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour (Thickening agent); 1.5 cups Heavy Cream (Luscious creaminess); 2 teaspoons Paprika Powder (Adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Enhances flavor); Salt (For seasoning); Black Pepper (For seasoning)

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As I sliced into the vibrant red peppers, the sweet, smoky aroma filled my kitchen, transporting me to sun-soaked Mediterranean markets. This Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce is the perfect antidote for busy weeknights when you crave something special yet quick to whip up. With the unique touch of ajvar, this dish layers rich flavor into a sauce that’s both comforting and satisfying. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly, making it an excellent choice for everyone at the table. In just 25 minutes, you can serve a vibrant, creamy pasta that transforms everyday ingredients into an indulgent meal. What’s your favorite way to enjoy pasta? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Why try this roasted red pepper pasta sauce?

Quick and Easy: You’ll whip up this creamy dish in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
Flavor Explosion: The smoky red peppers and rich ajvar not only add depth but also a delightful twist to your regular pasta.
Vegetarian Delight: It’s a perfect meatless meal, appealing to everyone at your table.
Creamy Texture: The sauce boasts a velvety finish, enveloping the pasta and ensuring every bite is rich and satisfying.
Versatile Options: Want to mix things up? Try variations with roasted garlic or a splash of coconut cream for a vegan take! If you’re intrigued by quick meals, check out these delicious options: Spicy Honey Pepper or Chicken Broccoli Pasta.

Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce Ingredients

• To create this delightful roasted red pepper pasta sauce, you’ll need some simple yet flavorful ingredients.

For the Pasta

Pasta (16 oz) – The foundation of the dish; choose any shape like penne or fettuccine for a fun twist.

For the Sauce

Red Bell Peppers (2, diced) – These add natural sweetness and vibrant color; swap with yellow or orange for a different taste.
Onion (1 medium, diced) – Offers aromatic depth; shallots can be a nice alternative if you prefer a milder flavor.
Ajvar (3 heaping tablespoons) – This smoky condiment enhances the sauce’s richness; roasted red pepper pesto works as a flavorful substitute.
Reserved Pasta Water (1 cup) – Essential for achieving the perfect sauce consistency and deeper flavor.
All-Purpose Flour (1 tablespoon) – Acts as a thickening agent; switch to cornstarch for a gluten-free option.
Heavy Cream (1 ½ cups) – Brings a luscious creaminess; opt for coconut or cashew cream for a lighter alternative.
Paprika Powder (2 teaspoons) – Infuses a warm smokiness; you can adjust this to taste, especially with smoked paprika.
Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon) – Enhances the overall flavor; fresh minced garlic can provide an extra kick.
Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning to complement all the delicious flavors.

With this roasted red pepper pasta sauce recipe, you’re just steps away from a comforting and delightful dish that everyone will enjoy!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 16 ounces of your favorite pasta, cooking it according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture, typically about 8-10 minutes. Just before draining, reserve one cup of the starchy pasta water. Rinse the pasta briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process, and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add one medium diced onion and two diced red bell peppers, sautéing for 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the vegetables soften and turn slightly golden. The aroma should be inviting, signaling it’s time to move to the next step in creating the roasted red pepper pasta sauce.

Step 3: Build Sauce Base
Once the onions and peppers are nicely cooked, add three heaping tablespoons of ajvar to the skillet. Stir well to combine, allowing the flavors to meld together for 1-2 minutes. Next, pour in the reserved pasta water and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes. This helps build a flavorful base for your creamy roasted red pepper pasta sauce.

Step 4: Make It Creamy
Slowly stir in 1 ½ cups of heavy cream, allowing it to blend with the vegetable mixture. In a small bowl, create a slurry by combining one tablespoon of all-purpose flour with a few tablespoons of water until it’s smooth. Gradually mix this slurry into the sauce, stirring continuously while you simmer for another 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired creaminess.

Step 5: Season
To enhance the flavor of your creamy roasted red pepper pasta sauce, add two teaspoons of paprika powder, one teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and black pepper to taste. Cook everything together on low heat for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse and creating a luscious, comforting sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Finally, gently add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring that the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Let it simmer together for another 2-3 minutes over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully before you serve your delightful creamy roasted red pepper pasta dish.

Storage Tips for Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce

Fridge: Store any leftover roasted red pepper pasta sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before sealing.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy again, reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop. Add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to restore its creamy consistency.

Freezer: Freezing is not recommended due to potential sauce separation. However, if you must, freeze it in a suitable container for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Stirring: Always stir the sauce well after reheating to ensure a smooth, creamy texture before serving.

What to Serve with Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce

Elevate your meal experience by pairing this delightful sauce with complementary sides that enhance its vibrant flavors.

Garlic Bread: The buttery, toasty goodness of garlic bread provides a perfect vehicle for mopping up the luscious sauce.
Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens and a zesty vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch, balancing the creaminess of the dish.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables offer a savory contrast and additional smoky notes that harmonize beautifully with roasted red pepper pasta sauce.
Herbed Focaccia: Soft, aromatic focaccia sprinkled with herbs can be a delightful side, absorbing all the wonderful flavors from your sauce.
Grilled Chicken: For those who enjoy a protein addition, juicy grilled chicken breasts are an excellent choice, enhancing the meal’s heartiness while remaining complementary.
Wine Pairing: A chilled white wine, like Pinot Grigio, brings a bright acidity that cuts through the creaminess of the pasta sauce, making every bite even richer.

Treat yourself and your family to a full meal experience that is not only satisfying but also leaves everyone asking for seconds!

Expert Tips for Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce

Creamy Consistency: Stir continuously when adding the slurry to prevent any lumps from forming in your roasted red pepper pasta sauce.
Avoid Overcooking: Ensure your pasta is al dente initially; it will cook further when combined with the sauce. This maintains the ideal texture.
Ventilation Is Key: Sauté over medium heat while ensuring good ventilation to avoid excess smoke when cooking the onions and peppers.
Taste As You Go: Adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process; this will enhance the final flavor of your creamy pasta sauce.
Great Storage Practices: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce’s consistency.

Make Ahead Options

These creamy roasted red pepper pasta sauce preparations are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can sauté the onions and red peppers up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The ajvar and reserved pasta water can also be pre-measured and kept ready to go, ensuring you have everything at hand for a quick assembly. On the day of serving, just reheat the sautéed vegetables, add in the ajvar and reserved pasta water, then stir in the heavy cream and slurry as per the final steps of the recipe. This make-ahead approach saves you precious cooking time for those busy weeknights, so you can enjoy a comforting dish that’s just as delicious!

Variations & Substitutions

Customize your roasted red pepper pasta sauce to suit your taste buds and dietary needs! Here are some delightful twists to elevate this dish even further.

Gluten-Free Pasta: Swap regular pasta for gluten-free alternatives like rice or quinoa pasta. This way, everyone can enjoy a delicious meal without gluten.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce for a fiery finish. It’s a game-changer if you crave some heat in your dishes!
Herbed Delight: Fresh basil or parsley brings a fresh, vibrant note to the sauce. Simply chop and toss in at the end for a burst of flavor and color!
Nutty Texture: For a crunchy contrast, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts atop your dish before serving. This adds a delightful crunch that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Creamy Cashew: For a vegan twist, replace heavy cream with homemade cashew cream. Soak cashews, blend them with water, and achieve that signature creaminess without dairy.
Roasted Garlic: Blend in some roasted garlic for a deeper, sweeter flavor. The creaminess combined with sweet garlic elevates this dish to another level!
Mediterranean Twist: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and olives into the sauce for a Mediterranean flair. This additional layer of flavor will transport your taste buds straight to the coast!
Flavorful Parmesan: Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce for an extra layer of richness and umami. Stir it in just before combining your pasta for a cheesy delight.

Feel free to experiment with these variations and make this roasted red pepper pasta sauce uniquely yours! Pair it with a refreshing Cucumber Sweet Pepper salad for the perfect meal.

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce Recipe FAQs

What type of peppers should I use for this sauce?
Absolutely! For this creamy roasted red pepper pasta sauce, red bell peppers are ideal due to their natural sweetness and vibrant color. However, feel free to swap them out for yellow or orange peppers if you prefer a milder flavor.

How should I store leftovers?
Very straightforward! Store any leftover roasted red pepper pasta sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the sauce cools completely before sealing, and when reheating, add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to restore its creamy consistency.

Can I freeze this roasted red pepper pasta sauce?
Freezing is not recommended because the sauce may separate when thawed; however, if you must, you can freeze it in a suitable container for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight, and when ready to reheat, stir in a little cream or water to bring back its luscious texture.

What if my sauce ends up too thick?
No worries! If your creamy roasted red pepper pasta sauce turns out too thick, simply stir in additional reserved pasta water or a splash of cream to adjust the consistency to your liking. Start with just a little, adding more gradually until it reaches your desired creaminess.

Is this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Definitely! This creamy roasted red pepper pasta sauce is vegetarian, and for a vegan option, simply substitute the heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream. Always check ingredient labels, particularly for ajvar and pasta, to ensure they meet your specific dietary needs.