Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
Recipe Tested & Approved by Mia Hartwell
Every recipe is developed, cooked, and tested by Mia in a real home kitchen using everyday ingredients to ensure reliable, repeatable results.
Pasta in a creamy, smoky roasted red pepper sauce blended smooth with garlic and Parmesan. A vibrant, restaurant-worthy vegetarian dinner ready in 25 minutes.
By Mia HartwellUpdated January 1, 2026
Developed using tested cooking methods — cook to the temperatures given and adjust times to your equipment.
Why you'll love this recipe
- A vibrant, smoky roasted red pepper cream sauce
- Restaurant-worthy yet ready in 25 minutes
- Vegetarian and naturally colorful
- Uses jarred peppers for an easy shortcut
Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
25 min totalServes 4
Nutrition (per serving)
Values are estimates. See our disclaimer for details.
- Calories
- 500kcal
- Protein
- 16g
- Carbs
- 64g
- Fat
- 20g
- Fiber
- 5g
- Sugar
- 8g
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
- 2
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium. Cook the garlic 1 minute until fragrant.
- 3
Add the roasted red peppers and smoked paprika and cook 2-3 minutes.
- 4
Transfer to a blender, add the cream, and blend until smooth. Return to the skillet.
- 5
Stir in the Parmesan over low heat, then add the pasta and toss, loosening with pasta water until silky.
- 6
Season to taste, garnish with basil, and serve.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Jarred roasted red peppers make this fast; drain them well before using.
- Blend the sauce until completely smooth for that velvety, restaurant texture.
- Smoked paprika deepens the roasted flavor — don't skip it.
- Reserve pasta water to thin the thick blended sauce to a clinging consistency.
Cooking from your phone or kitchen? Print this recipe or save it as a PDF to keep it handy.
How to Cook Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
New to this dish? Follow along with the detailed guide below — we break down each stage so you get perfect results the very first time.
Soften the aromatics and peppers
Cook the garlic just until fragrant, then warm the drained roasted red peppers with smoked paprika. Heating the peppers concentrates their sweet, smoky flavor before they're blended.
Blend smooth
Blending the peppers with cream is what gives this sauce its signature velvety, restaurant-style texture and beautiful color. Blend until completely smooth, then return it to the pan.
Finish and toss
Stir in Parmesan over low heat for body, then toss with the pasta and reserved pasta water until the thick sauce loosens into a clinging coating. Fresh basil at the end adds brightness against the rich, sweet sauce.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days; the sauce reheats well. Loosen with a splash of pasta water or broth when reheating.
Serving Suggestions
This roasted red pepper pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, crusty bread, or your favorite grain. Add a simple side of roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I roast my own peppers?+
Yes. Char 2-3 red bell peppers under the broiler until blackened, steam them in a covered bowl, then peel and use in place of the jarred.
Can I make it dairy-free?+
Blend in soaked cashews or a splash of coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and use a plant-based Parmesan.
How do I add protein?+
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas all pair well with the sweet, smoky sauce.
You might also like
Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Tender pan-seared chicken tossed with penne in a velvety garlic-parmesan cream sauce. It comes together in about 30 minutes and tastes like the kind of pasta you'd order at a trattoria.
- Total time
- ⏱ 35 min
- Calories
- 🔥 640 cal
- Protein
- 💪 42g protein
Lemon Herb Baked Chicken
Juicy oven-baked chicken breasts in a bright lemon, garlic, and herb marinade. A reliable, healthy weeknight dinner that stays tender thanks to a quick brine-style marinade.
- Total time
- ⏱ 37 min
- Calories
- 🔥 290 cal
- Protein
- 💪 39g protein
Honey Garlic Chicken Skillet
Golden chicken thighs glazed in a sticky honey-garlic-soy sauce, all in one skillet. The sauce reduces into a glossy glaze that's equal parts sweet, savory, and garlicky.
- Total time
- ⏱ 30 min
- Calories
- 🔥 410 cal
- Protein
- 💪 33g protein
Loved this recipe? Pin it so you can find it again — and explore more easy dinners.