10 Minute Creamy Red Pepper Pasta Sauce
Make this creamy roasted red pepper pasta in just 10 minutes! Silky, cheesy, and full of flavor, it’s the perfect comfort food for busy nights.
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.