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Creamy Red Pepper Alfredo Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 66 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Creamy Red Pepper Alfredo Sauce is a rich and flavorful Italian-inspired sauce made with roasted red peppers, a blend of cheeses, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. Perfect for elevating pasta, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables with its smooth, velvety texture and vibrant taste.


Ingredients

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jar (12 oz) roasted red peppers, drained and chopped

Seasonings

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Dairy and Liquids

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup vegetable or chicken broth

Garnish

  • Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)


Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
  2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Cook Red Peppers with Seasonings: Add the chopped roasted red peppers, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors well.
  4. Blend Mixture: Transfer the contents of the skillet to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth and creamy.
  5. Combine with Cream and Cheese: Return the blended sauce to the skillet over medium-low heat. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and broth. Cook while stirring often for about 5–7 minutes until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened.
  6. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the sauce hot over cooked pasta, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
  • This sauce pairs beautifully with fettuccine, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables.
  • The sauce freezes well in an airtight container for up to 2 months.