If there’s one recipe every home cook should have in their back pocket, it’s a quick pasta sauce that can be whipped up with pantry staples. Enter this 10 Minute Creamy Red Pepper Pasta Sauce, a dish that proves fast food doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or comfort. This recipe takes the smoky sweetness of roasted red peppers, balances it with creamy richness, and finishes it with just the right amount of parmesan to create a silky, restaurant-quality pasta dish right at home.
The best part? This entire meal is ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish, making it the ultimate weeknight hero. Whether you’ve had a long day at work, need to get dinner on the table for hungry kids, or just want something cozy without a lot of fuss, this creamy roasted red pepper pasta has you covered. Pair it with garlic bread, a crisp salad, or some sautéed veggies and you’ve got a complete meal that feels both indulgent and nourishing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Effortless: The sauce comes together while the pasta cooks, which means dinner is on the table in less than 20 minutes.
- Flavor-Packed: Roasted red peppers lend a deep, slightly smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with creamy parmesan and garlic.
- Family-Friendly: The flavors are rich and mild, making it a dish the whole family can enjoy.
- Customizable: Works with any pasta shape and can be adjusted with protein or vegetables to make it your own.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: The sauce keeps well in the fridge and even freezes beautifully, so you can make extra and save it for busy days.
Ingredients
- 10–12 oz pasta of choice
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, drained
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, optional
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup low sodium vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated or shredded
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Blend the Base Sauce
In a blender or food processor, combine roasted red peppers, marinara sauce, and olive oil. Blend until smooth. Add the garlic and pulse a few times until it’s minced into the sauce.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Pour the blended mixture into a large skillet over medium-low heat. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3–5 minutes.
Step 4: Add Creaminess
Stir in heavy cream and vegetable broth. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for another 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Pasta
Turn off the heat and stir in the parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet and toss until coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil, extra parmesan, or a sprinkle of chili flakes. Serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Choose the right pasta shape: Short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the creamy sauce well, while long pasta like linguine gives a more elegant feel.
- Don’t skip the pasta water: The starch in it helps bind the sauce to the pasta.
- Taste as you go: Adjust seasoning at the end for the perfect balance.
- Use freshly grated parmesan: It melts better and adds richer flavor than pre-grated cheese.
- Make it ahead: Store the sauce in the fridge or freezer for easy meal prep.
Variations to Try
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage.
- Veggie Power: Toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
- Vegan Option: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of dairy.
- Spicy Kick: Add chili paste or hot chili oil.
- Baked Pasta: Mix sauce and pasta, top with mozzarella, and bake until bubbly.
Serving Ideas
- Pair with garlic bread or focaccia.
- Serve with a side salad of arugula or spinach.
- Add roasted veggies for extra nutrition.
- Enjoy with a glass of crisp white wine.
- Use leftovers as a base for lasagna or gnocchi.
FAQs
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Store in the fridge for 2–3 days and reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.
Does this sauce freeze well?
Yes. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Can I make it without cream?
Swap with milk, half-and-half, or dairy-free options like oat or coconut milk.
What pasta works best with this sauce?
Penne, rigatoni, spaghetti, or linguine all coat beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes—just skip the red pepper flakes for a milder version.
Wrapping It Up
This 10 Minute Creamy Red Pepper Pasta Sauce is the ultimate solution for nights when you want something quick but flavorful. With its smoky roasted peppers, creamy parmesan, and garlicky undertones, it’s a recipe that delivers comfort, speed, and versatility. Make it a weeknight staple, a cozy date-night meal, or a family-friendly dinner—it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
10 Minute Creamy Red Pepper Pasta Sauce
Ingredients
- 10 –12 oz pasta of choice
- 1 cup roasted red peppers drained
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes optional
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup low sodium vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated or shredded
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Blend the Base Sauce
- In a blender or food processor, combine roasted red peppers, marinara sauce, and olive oil. Blend until smooth. Add the garlic and pulse a few times until it’s minced into the sauce.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
- Pour the blended mixture into a large skillet over medium-low heat. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3–5 minutes.
Step 4: Add Creaminess
- Stir in heavy cream and vegetable broth. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for another 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Pasta
- Turn off the heat and stir in the parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet and toss until coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil, extra parmesan, or a sprinkle of chili flakes. Serve immediately.
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