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This Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta stands out for its simplicity, vibrant flavor, and wholesome ingredients.
Featuring just six main ingredients, it offers a plant-based, vegan-friendly meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
The roasted red peppers and onions create a rich, smoky base full of antioxidants and vitamins like A and C, while the addition of garlic adds immune-boosting properties.
With 8 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber per serving, this dish balances essential nutrients and supports digestion, making it a great choice for health-conscious eaters.
The recipe is low in saturated fat and uses good fats from olive oil, enhancing heart health.
Its quick 25-minute total time and easy prep make it ideal for busy weeknights, while the creamy sauce is versatile enough to pair with various pastas or proteins, perfect for meal prep and family dinners alike.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Aluminum Sheet Pan
Essential for evenly roasting onions and garlic to achieve that perfect caramelized flavor and texture. Its durability and heat conduction make it a kitchen staple for baking, roasting, and sheet pan meals.
Food Processor
The heart of this recipe’s creamy sauce, it blends roasted vegetables and peppers into a smooth, velvety texture. Beyond this recipe, a food processor speeds up chopping, mixing, and pureeing, saving valuable time.
Large Pot
Used to boil pasta to al dente perfection. A quality large pot ensures even boiling, preventing overcooked pasta and allowing for easy draining. It’s a versatile essential for soups, boiling, and steaming.
Cutting Board
Provides a stable and sanitary surface for prepping onions and garlic. Durable cutting boards protect your knives and keep your workspace clean, making them indispensable for all cooking tasks.
Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
Equipment
- 1 Aluminum Sheet Pan
- 1 Food Processor or Blender
- 1 Large Pot
- 1 Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion quartered
- 3 whole garlic cloves peeled
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- 12 ounces spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 1 jar 15 ounces roasted red peppers, drained
- ½ cup plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or cashew
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Roast Aromatics for Deep Flavor: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a small baking tray with parchment paper. Arrange the quartered onion and peeled garlic cloves on the tray, sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes, and drizzle with olive oil. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Roast in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the onions become soft and develop a golden, caramelized appearance. This slow roasting step is key to unlocking sweet, smoky flavors.
- Cook Pasta to Al Dente Perfection: While the vegetables roast, bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until just tender but still firm to the bite (al dente). Before draining, scoop out and save about one cup of the starchy pasta water to help loosen the sauce later. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot, covering to keep warm.
- Blend Roasted Vegetables into Creamy Sauce: Once the onions and garlic have roasted, transfer them to a blender or food processor. Add the drained roasted red peppers and pour in the plant-based milk. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no visible chunks. The result should be a luscious, velvety sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
- Combine Sauce and Pasta: Pour the creamy roasted pepper sauce over the cooked pasta in the pot. Toss thoroughly to ensure every strand is coated. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to achieve your preferred sauce consistency — silky but not too runny. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Garnish and Serve Immediately: Serve the pasta hot, topped with torn fresh basil leaves for a fragrant, herbal note. Enjoy as is or pair with a side salad or your favorite roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Make Ahead Tip: You can prepare the roasted pepper sauce up to three days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or pasta water before serving.
- Milk Substitutions: Any dairy or plant-based milk works well here, so feel free to use your favorite option depending on your dietary preference.
- Adjusting Heat: If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder.
- Pasta Alternatives: This sauce complements all pasta shapes, including penne, farfalle, or linguine — feel free to use what you have on hand.
- Storage: Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently to preserve creamy texture. Avoid freezing as it may change the sauce consistency.
Chef’s Secrets for Ultimate Flavor
To unlock the full depth of flavor in this Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta, roasting the onions and garlic until they are golden and tender is crucial.
This slow roasting process caramelizes the natural sugars, adding a subtle sweetness and smoky undertone that blends beautifully with the roasted red peppers.
Don’t rush this step—patience here ensures a rich, layered sauce.
When blending, use the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency gently; this helps it cling perfectly to each strand of pasta without thinning out the flavor.
Lastly, fresh basil added at the end elevates the dish with a burst of herbal brightness, balancing the creamy texture and making every bite vibrant.
Serving Suggestions to Impress Guests
This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and proteins, making it versatile for any occasion.
Serve it alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a fresh contrast or roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini to add texture and color.
For added protein, toss in grilled tofu, sautéed mushrooms, or your choice of plant-based meat alternatives to keep the meal vegan yet satisfying.
Garnish with extra fresh basil and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan for an umami boost.
This dish also works beautifully as a cozy solo dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for family gatherings.
Storage Tips for Best Freshness
To keep your Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta tasting fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It will maintain its flavor and texture for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to restore the creamy consistency without drying it out.
Avoid microwaving for best results, as it can cause uneven heating and alter the sauce’s texture.
If you prepare the roasted pepper sauce in advance, refrigerate it separately and combine with freshly cooked pasta for an even fresher meal each time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipe
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully, this sauce pairs well with any pasta shape, such as penne, fusilli, or linguine. Choose your favorite or whatever you have on hand.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe isn’t gluten-free as written due to the pasta. However, substituting gluten-free pasta makes it a great option for those avoiding gluten.
3. Can I substitute dairy milk?
Yes! You can use any plant-based milk or regular dairy milk depending on your dietary needs or taste preferences. Almond, oat, or cashew milk all work well.
4. How spicy is this dish?
The crushed red pepper adds a mild kick, but you can adjust the amount or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.
5. Can I freeze leftovers?
It’s best to avoid freezing this pasta, as the creamy sauce’s texture may change upon thawing. Instead, refrigerate leftovers for optimal taste and texture.
This recipe is inspired by feelgoodfoodie and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.
