Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce (Creamy Recipe)

This creamy Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce is your new go-to for effortless weeknight dinners. It’s silky, rich, and packed with a smoky-sweet flavor that’s hard to resist. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a luxurious homemade sauce that tastes like something from your favorite Italian bistro—minus the effort. It’s a fantastic alternative to tomato-based sauces and works with just about any pasta shape you love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ridiculously Easy: No fancy steps here—blend, simmer, and you’re done. Perfect for when you’re tired but still want something that feels a little indulgent.
• Big Flavor, Few Ingredients: Roasted red peppers bring bold, sweet-smoky notes that pair beautifully with cream and garlic. It’s amazing how much flavor you get with so little work.
• Creamy and Comforting: Thanks to the touch of cream (or a creamy alternative), the texture is dreamy and rich—ideal for cozy evenings.
• Versatile: This sauce isn’t just for pasta. Use it as a dip, spread, or drizzle—it’s one of those sauces you’ll start putting on everything.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy red pepper sauce come to life:

• Roasted Red Peppers: The star of the show. Jarred roasted red peppers are a huge time-saver and bring that sweet, smoky depth instantly.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a punch of sharpness that cuts through the creaminess beautifully. Don’t be shy with it.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the garlic and infusing the base with richness.
• Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: For that silky, luxurious texture. You can swap with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free option.
• Parmesan Cheese: Melts right into the sauce for added umami and body. Use freshly grated if you can—it makes a big difference.
• Salt and Pepper: Adjust to taste. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds a subtle heat that complements the sweetness of the peppers.
• Onion (optional): Adds an extra layer of depth if you have time to sauté it with the garlic.
• Pasta Water: Save a bit of that starchy water to help bind the sauce and pasta together—it’s liquid gold.

Variations

• Vegan Version: Use a splash of unsweetened almond or oat milk, and skip the cheese or replace with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative.
• Add Protein: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it more filling.
• Make it Spicy: Add more crushed red pepper flakes, a splash of hot sauce, or even a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste.
• Tomato Blend: Add a spoonful of tomato paste or a few cherry tomatoes to deepen the flavor and color.
• Herby Twist: Blend in some fresh basil, parsley, or thyme for a fresh lift.

How to Make Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic (and chopped onion if using) and sauté until fragrant—about 1 to 2 minutes. Don’t let the garlic brown too much; we want a mellow, sweet garlic flavor.

Step 2: Blend the Sauce

In a blender or food processor, add the sautéed garlic, roasted red peppers (drained), a splash of pasta water, and season with salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Simmer with Cream

Pour the blended sauce back into the skillet. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for 5–7 minutes to thicken slightly and allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Combine

Add freshly grated parmesan and stir until melted and incorporated. Adjust seasoning as needed. If it’s too thick, a little extra pasta water will loosen it up perfectly.

Step 5: Toss with Cooked Pasta

Add your cooked, drained pasta directly into the skillet and toss to coat every bite with that creamy, flavorful sauce. Serve immediately!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Jarred Peppers: They save time and are just as delicious as roasting your own. Rinse them lightly to reduce excess vinegar flavor if they’re packed in brine.
• Blend Until Silky: A high-speed blender will give you the smoothest texture, but even an immersion blender does the trick.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some when draining your pasta. It helps the sauce cling beautifully and improves texture.
• Don’t Skip the Simmer: Letting the sauce simmer a few minutes after blending deepens the flavor and ensures it clings to the pasta.

How to Serve

Pairings:

• Tossed with Pasta: Works beautifully with penne, rigatoni, linguine, or even tortellini.
• As a Dip: Serve warm with crusty bread or breadsticks for a cozy appetizer.
• Drizzled Over Grilled Veggies or Chicken: Adds a creamy, flavor-packed finish.
• Pizza Sauce Alternative: Use it as a base on flatbreads or pizza for something different.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get better as it sits!

Freezing

This sauce freezes beautifully. Pour into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to bring back the creamy consistency. Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from separating.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce without cream?
Absolutely! Swap in coconut milk, cashew cream, or even a splash of pasta water with olive oil for a lighter but still silky version.

Is this sauce spicy?
Not by default. It’s naturally sweet thanks to the roasted peppers, but you can easily make it spicy by adding chili flakes or a touch of hot sauce.

Can I use fresh red peppers instead of jarred?
Yes! Roast them yourself until the skins blister, peel, and proceed as directed. It’s a bit more work but delivers an incredible homemade flavor.

What pasta shape works best with this sauce?
Short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the sauce well, but long noodles like fettuccine or spaghetti are great too—just be sure to toss thoroughly so the sauce coats every strand.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce is the ultimate creamy, cozy meal that tastes way more impressive than it actually is. With simple ingredients and almost no prep, you’ll have a vibrant, flavorful sauce that livens up any dinner table. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat!

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