Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce is a rich, creamy, and flavorful alternative to traditional tomato-based sauces. Made with sweet roasted red peppers, garlic, and cream, it pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta and can be ready in under 30 minutes. It’s smooth, slightly smoky, and ideal for a cozy dinner night or an elevated weekday meal.

ingredients

Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce (Creamy Recipe)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)
olive oil
garlic cloves
yellow onion
heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
grated Parmesan cheese
salt
black pepper
crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
fresh basil (optional for garnish)
cooked pasta of choice (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)

directions

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Add roasted red peppers and cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.

Transfer the mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender to blend until smooth.

Return the sauce to the skillet over low heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.

Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and creamy.

Toss with cooked pasta until well coated.

Garnish with fresh basil and more Parmesan if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Use coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies.
Blend in some sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist.
Top with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
Try smoked paprika for extra depth of flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if it thickens too much.
Sauce can also be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use fresh roasted peppers instead of jarred?

Yes, just roast and peel them ahead of time. Jarred peppers are more convenient but both work great.

Is this sauce spicy?

Not by default, but you can add red pepper flakes for heat.

Can I make this sauce vegan?

Yes, use plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast.

Will it work with gluten-free pasta?

Absolutely! It pairs well with any type of pasta.

Can I use a food processor instead of a blender?

Yes, just make sure the sauce is blended until smooth.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, it’s a great make-ahead sauce and tastes even better the next day.

Does this sauce go with other dishes?

It’s great as a sauce for lasagna, pizza base, or even over grilled veggies.

What pasta shape works best?

Short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the creamy sauce nicely, but any pasta will do.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

You can, though the sauce will be less rich—half-and-half is a good compromise.

Can I add protein?

Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu make great additions.

Conclusion

This creamy roasted red pepper pasta sauce is a delicious and easy way to bring bold flavor to your pasta dishes. Whether you stick to the base recipe or customize it with add-ins, it’s a surefire way to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Try it once, and it might just become your new favorite go-to sauce.