Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked pasta, draped in a vibrant, velvety roasted red pepper sauce that looks like it came straight from an Italian kitchen. This Simple Roasted Red Pepper Pasta isn't just another dinner recipe – it's a culinary adventure that transforms everyday ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Whether you're a busy home cook or a pasta enthusiast looking for a quick and impressive meal, this recipe will become your new go-to comfort food that's sure to wow your taste buds and dinner guests.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 2 roasted red peppers, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add 8 oz of your choice of pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the roasted red pepper sauce. In a medium skillet, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
- Add the chopped roasted red peppers to the skillet with the garlic. Stir well to combine and let the mixture cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Season the sauce with 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir to combine, and let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta, as this will help the sauce adhere better.
- Transfer the drained pasta to the skillet with the roasted red pepper sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if necessary to achieve your desired consistency. Ensure that all the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
- To serve, divide the pasta among four plates. Garnish each serving with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy your Simple Roasted Red Pepper Pasta!
Tips
- Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor, as it's a key component of the sauce.
- Don't rush the garlic sautéing process – low and slow prevents burning and releases maximum flavor.
- Reserve pasta water is your secret weapon for creating a silky, clingy sauce. The starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta.
- For extra depth, consider using jarred roasted red peppers for convenience, or roast your own peppers for a more intense flavor.
- Fresh basil isn't just a garnish – it adds a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.
- Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes. While spaghetti or penne work great, try rigatoni or fusilli for interesting texture variations.
- This dish is incredibly versatile – add grilled chicken, shrimp, or keep it vegetarian for a protein-packed meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 348kcal
Carbohydrates: 49g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
