Introduction
Roasted Red Pepper Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that beautifully combines roasted red peppers with pasta, making it a perfect choice for a comforting meal. This recipe is not only delicious but also straightforward, ideal for home cooks looking to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Roasted Red Peppers: 1/2 cup roasted red peppers (jarred, drained – 3-5 pieces)
Water: 3/4 cup
Broth Base: 1/2 teaspoon Better than Bouillon chicken or vegetable broth base
Butter: 2 tablespoons
Shallots: 1 large shallot, sliced thinly on a mandoline
Heavy Cream: 3/4 cup
Pasta: 8 ounces pasta – preferred type is pennoni
Pasta Water: 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (optional, as needed)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Red Pepper Puree
Blend the roasted red peppers, water, and broth base until smooth.
Sauté the Shallots
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and sliced shallots; sauté until the shallots are lightly golden brown and caramelized, about 10-15 minutes.
Cook Pasta
While the shallots are cooking, prepare the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
Combine Sauce
Reduce the skillet heat to low to prevent splattering. Add the red pepper puree to the shallots and let it sizzle briefly. Stir in the heavy cream and combine; allow the mixture to gently bubble until it thickens into a creamy sauce.
Add Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce; let it simmer briefly to thicken and coat the noodles. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
Serve
Serve immediately, topped with Parmesan, basil leaves, and/or red pepper flakes as desired.
Notes
Ingredient Selection
Use high-quality jarred roasted red peppers for the best flavor.
Pasta Type
Penne or other similar pasta types can also be used if pennoni is unavailable.
Adjusting Consistency
Remember that the thickness of the sauce can be altered by adding reserved pasta water gradually.
Optional Additions
Consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein if desired.
Cook techniques
Red Pepper Puree
Blend roasted red peppers with water and broth base until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creates a flavorful base for the sauce.
Sauté the Shallots
In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add thinly sliced shallots and sauté until they turn lightly golden brown and caramelized, enhancing their natural sweetness.
Cook Pasta
Prepare pasta by boiling it in salted water according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente texture. Reserve a portion of the pasta water before draining for later use in adjusting sauce consistency.
Combine Sauce
Lower the heat of the skillet and introduce the red pepper puree to the sautéed shallots. Stir in heavy cream and allow the mixture to gently bubble, creating a thick and creamy sauce.
Add Pasta
Incorporate the cooked pasta into the sauce, allowing it to simmer briefly. If the sauce becomes too thick, adjust the consistency with the reserved pasta water.
FAQ
Can I use fresh peppers instead of jarred roasted red peppers?
Yes, fresh red peppers can be roasted and blended to create the puree, but jarred peppers provide a convenient option with consistent flavor.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Pennoni is recommended, but other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli can also work well to hold the sauce.
How do I adjust the consistency of the sauce?
If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until the desired creamy consistency is reached.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply use vegetable broth base instead of chicken broth base to maintain a vegetarian profile.
What can I use as a substitute for heavy cream?
For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative, though this may affect the richness of the sauce.
Conclusion
This Roasted Red Pepper Pasta is a delightful and creamy dish that combines the rich flavors of roasted peppers and caramelized shallots, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. The addition of Parmesan and fresh basil elevates the dish, while the option to adjust the sauce’s consistency with reserved pasta water allows for customization to suit your preference. Enjoy this dish fresh and warm for a comforting yet elegant experience.
More recipes suggestions and combination
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