If you’re craving a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that’s easy enough for weeknights but fancy enough for date night, this red pepper pasta is for you! Roasted red peppers blended into a silky sauce with garlic, Parmesan, and a hint of cream make this pasta irresistibly rich yet surprisingly light. It’s cozy comfort food with a fresh twist.

>>> Penne Ground Beef Pasta

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 2

Why You’ll Love This Red Pepper Pasta

• Creamy, flavorful, and ready in 30 minutes
• A fun alternative to classic tomato pasta sauce
• Perfect for a weeknight dinner or romantic meal for two
• Easy to customize with chicken, shrimp, or veggies

Ingredients

• 6 oz (170 g) pasta of your choice (penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine work great)
• 1 jar (about 12 oz) roasted red peppers, drained
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
2. Blend the peppers: In a blender, puree roasted red peppers until smooth.
3. Make the sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the red pepper puree and stir.
4. Add cream and cheese: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan, cooking until sauce thickens slightly, about 3–4 minutes.
5. Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing until evenly coated. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
6. Season and serve: Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.