Looking for a dinner that’s rich, vibrant, and incredibly satisfying? Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta with Blistered Tomatoes checks all the boxes, bringing together silky-smooth roasted red pepper sauce, plump blistered cherry tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta in the kind of meal that makes even the most ordinary weeknight feel a little special. This Italian-inspired dish looks gourmet but comes together in a flash, and the secret is all in the bold, plant-based ingredients that layer flavor, texture, and eye-catching color into every bite.

Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta with Blistered Tomatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta with Blistered Tomatoes is how just a handful of pantry and fresh ingredients can transform into something extra-special. Each element is carefully chosen—not only for taste and texture but also for how it enhances the sauce and the final presentation.

Pasta of choice (12 ounces): Go for rigatoni, penne, or any shape that holds creamy sauce well and adds a hearty bite.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Adds depth and helps everything sauté to perfection while infusing subtle fruitiness.
Cherry tomatoes (1 pint): When blistered, they burst with sweetness and bring gorgeous color to the plate.
Yellow onion (1 small, chopped): Lends a gentle sweetness and savory backbone to the sauce.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Aromatic and punchy, it makes the flavor sing.
Roasted red peppers (1 12-ounce jar, drained): The star of the sauce, delivering smokiness, tang, and beautiful natural color.
Raw cashews (¼ cup, soaked): This is the secret to the creamy, dreamy texture—just soak them first to blend easily.
Unsweetened plant-based milk (½ cup): Helps the sauce blend up perfectly smooth, and keeps everything dairy-free.
Nutritional yeast (2 tablespoons): Brings a savory, cheesy note that’s completely plant-based.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): A bright splash of acidity that wakes up the flavors.
Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Adds an irresistible hint of smokiness to the sauce.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Elevates all the other flavors and gives balance.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): For a subtle peppery kick.
Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): Infuses gentle heat—add more if you love spice!
Chopped fresh basil (for garnish): Finishes each bowl with fresh, herbal flavor and a pop of green.

How to Make Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta with Blistered Tomatoes

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your pasta of choice and stir well. Cook until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the starchy cooking water—this helps adjust the sauce’s texture later. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the other elements.

Step 2: Blister the Cherry Tomatoes

While the pasta cooks, set a skillet over medium-high heat and pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the cherry tomatoes and let them sizzle—resist the urge to stir too much, as you want them to blister and split, developing concentrated, almost jammy flavor. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes. When they look soft and just juicy enough, remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In a clean skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes until it’s soft and translucent but not browned. Stir in the minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for another minute. The kitchen will smell incredible at this point!

Step 4: Blend the Creamy Red Pepper Sauce

Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic into a blender. Add the drained roasted red peppers, soaked cashews, plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Blend on high until the mixture is completely silky and creamy—scrape down the sides if needed to ensure everything is incorporated. This is the soul of your Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta with Blistered Tomatoes!

Step 5: Heat and Adjust the Sauce

Return the smooth sauce to the skillet over medium-low heat. Allow it to gently simmer for a few minutes, whisking in a splash of the reserved pasta water at a time until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency. It should cling to a spoon and coat the pasta beautifully, without being runny.

Step 6: Toss and Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the pan, tossing so each piece becomes fully enrobed in that luscious red pepper sauce. Gently fold in the blistered tomatoes so they stay whole but burst open with every forkful. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as desired. Now you’re just one step away from serving up a pasta masterpiece!

How to Serve Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta with Blistered Tomatoes

Garnishes

Sprinkle generous handfuls of freshly chopped basil all over your Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta with Blistered Tomatoes. If you like, add a dusting of nutritional yeast for a Parmesan-like finish or a few extra red pepper flakes for a kick of heat. A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil right before serving enhances both flavor and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Balance the richness of your pasta with a bright green salad, tossed with lemony vinaigrette or balsamic glaze. Roasted veggies—like broccolini, asparagus, or zucchini—also pair perfectly, rounding out the meal with more color and wholesome flavor. And don’t forget a slice of crusty bread to mop up every drop of sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For casual dinners, serve in big bowls topped with extra tomatoes and lots of basil. For a dinner party, twirl the Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta with Blistered Tomatoes into individual nests with tongs, then top each with a cluster of blistered tomatoes and a small sprig of basil. If you’re feeling extra fancy, serve as the centerpiece of a vegan pasta board alongside grilled vegetables and olives.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta with Blistered Tomatoes keeps beautifully! Transfer any extras to an airtight container and place in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a great lunch or ready-to-reheat dinner the next day.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze, let the pasta cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. While the texture of the sauce may change a bit after freezing due to the cashews, it will still be delicious—just stir well after reheating. For best quality, enjoy within one month.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of plant-based milk or water to loosen the sauce as needed. Stir frequently and heat just until warmed through. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, to keep the sauce from separating.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Absolutely! Swap in raw sunflower seeds or silken tofu for the cashews—both blend smoothly and maintain that signature creaminess in your Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta with Blistered Tomatoes.

Do I have to use jarred roasted red peppers?

Nope! Roasting your own red peppers at home brings even deeper, smokier flavor. Simply roast whole peppers under the broiler until charred, cool, peel, and use as directed.

What’s the best pasta shape for this sauce?

Short shapes like rigatoni, penne, or even fusilli are fantastic, as their ridges and curves catch all the creamy sauce and tomatoes—though you can use your favorite pasta and still get tasty results.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can blend the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to use, just reheat gently and thin with a splash of plant milk or water if needed.

Is this Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta with Blistered Tomatoes gluten-free?

It can be! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. The luscious sauce and tomatoes are naturally gluten-free, making this dish adaptable for different dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta with Blistered Tomatoes is pure weeknight magic: bold, beautiful, and bursting with flavor—without any dairy or extra fuss. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just treating yourself, I can’t wait for you to experience the comfort and joy that just one bowl brings. Give it a try, and let it become a staple at your table!

Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta with Blistered Tomatoes Recipe