Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce Recipe: Silky Homemade Magic

My culinary adventure with this roasted red pepper pasta sauce began on a cozy autumn evening.

Warm aromas wafted through the kitchen, promising something extraordinary.

Mediterranean flavors dance within this simple yet elegant recipe.

Bright peppers blend seamlessly with rich, creamy ingredients to create magic.

Each spoonful carries a robust, smoky undertone that whispers comfort.

Robust techniques transform ordinary ingredients into an exceptional meal.

Want to impress everyone at your table with minimal effort?

You’ll fall in love with how quickly this sauce comes together.

Flavor Ideas for Red Pepper Pasta Sauce

• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap plant milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream for a lighter, dairy-free version. Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan to maintain a cheesy flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers during sautéing for a smoky, spicy kick. Incorporate ground cumin and cilantro for a Mexican-inspired sauce.
• Vegan Protein Boost: Blend in silken tofu or white beans to increase protein content. Top with roasted chickpeas or hemp seeds for extra nutritional value.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Mix in fresh basil, oregano, and a splash of white wine during cooking. Garnish with kalamata olives and crumbled feta (for non-vegan option) to enhance Mediterranean flavors.

Red Pepper Pasta Sauce Clarified

• Can I roast my own red peppers for this sauce?

Yes, you can roast fresh red bell peppers on a grill, under the broiler, or directly on a gas stovetop flame until the skin is charred and blistered. Let them steam in a covered bowl, then peel off the skin before using.

• Is nutritional yeast necessary for the recipe?

No, nutritional yeast is optional. It adds a cheesy flavor, but you can substitute with grated parmesan cheese or simply skip it if you prefer. The sauce will still be delicious without it.

• What type of pasta works best with this sauce?

Medium or short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work wonderfully because their ridges and curves help hold the creamy sauce better. Avoid thin pasta like angel hair, which might not catch the sauce as effectively.

• Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce 2-3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of plant milk or water if it’s too thick.

Red Pepper Pasta Sauce Overview

• This roasted red pepper pasta sauce offers incredible advantages for home cooks.
• Prepare this delightful sauce in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or quick meal solutions.
• Minimal technical skills required – just sauté, blend, and mix, making it an excellent recipe for novice home chefs wanting delicious results.
• Adaptable sauce works with multiple dietary preferences – easily transformable for vegetarian, vegan, or dairy-free diets by switching milk and cheese options, ensuring everyone can enjoy this creamy, vibrant dish.

Pantry List for Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce

• Roasted Red Peppers: Sweet and smoky foundation of the sauce, adds rich flavor and vibrant color.
• Onion: Provides a savory base and deep aromatic undertones.
• Garlic: Adds intense, sharp flavor and depth to the sauce.

• Olive Oil: Creates smooth texture and helps sauté vegetables.
• Plant Milk or Cream: Adds creaminess and helps blend sauce smoothly.

• Tomato Paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and thickens sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle, warming heat.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavor.
• Nutritional Yeast or Parmesan: Optional ingredient for cheesy, umami flavor.

• Fresh Herbs: Adds brightness and fresh finishing touch to the sauce.

Steps to Prepare Red Pepper Pasta Sauce

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until they become translucent and soft. Introduce minced garlic and let it dance in the pan for a brief moment, releasing its fragrant essence.

Step 2: Blend Vibrant Peppers

Introduce roasted red peppers and tomato paste to the skillet. Allow the ingredients to mingle and develop deep, rich flavors, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Create Silky Sauce

• Plant milk or cream
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Nutritional yeast or parmesan (optional)

Blend until the sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency.

Step 4: Warm and Adjust

Return the sauce to the pan, warming it gently over low heat. Taste and fine-tune the seasoning to your liking, adding more salt, pepper, or spices as needed.

Step 5: Combine with Pasta

Toss the freshly cooked pasta with the warm sauce, ensuring each strand is generously coated with the creamy, pepper-infused goodness.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Plate the pasta immediately, garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the burst of flavors.

Tips to Nail Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce

• Sauté Secrets: Caramelize onions slowly to develop a rich, sweet base for your sauce, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
• Blend Brilliantly: Use a high-powered blender to create an ultra-smooth, creamy texture without any pepper chunks.
• Customize Heat: Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level, from mild to fiery hot, based on personal preference.
• Dairy-Free Magic: Swap dairy cream with plant milk or cashew cream for a vegan-friendly version that's equally luxurious and creamy.
• Herb Harmony: Experiment with fresh basil, parsley, or oregano as garnish to add a bright, fresh layer of flavor to the finished pasta dish.

Storing Leftover Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce

• Store leftover pasta sauce in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled sauce into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze flat for maximum space efficiency. Sauce stays fresh for 2-3 months.
• Warm sauce gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of plant milk or water to restore creamy consistency if sauce has thickened.
• When reheating pasta with sauce, add a little extra liquid to prevent dryness and maintain the sauce's smooth texture.

Great Dishes to Pair with Red Pepper Pasta Sauce

• Crispy, golden slices of bread brushed with garlic-herb butter perfectly complement the creamy, rich pasta sauce.
• This light, zesty white wine cuts through the sauce's richness, offering a refreshing balance with subtle citrus notes.
• A fresh salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and feta cheese adds a cool, tangy contrast to the warm, spicy pasta sauce.
• A bubbly, citrusy drink cleanses the palate between bites, enhancing the sauce's vibrant roasted pepper flavors.

Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy roasted red pepper pasta sauce brings Mediterranean warmth to your dinner table with minimal effort. Rich Italian flavors blend smoothly, offering comfort and zest you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 (16 ounces / 454 grams) jar roasted red peppers, drained
• 12 ounces (340 grams) cooked pasta of choice
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup unsweetened plant-based milk or heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast or grated parmesan

Seasonings:

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium temperature, gently sautéing diced onions until they become translucent and fragrant, releasing their natural sweetness.
2. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, allowing it to bloom and infuse the aromatics with its pungent essence without burning.
3. Incorporate roasted red peppers and tomato paste into the mixture, letting the ingredients meld together and develop a rich, complex flavor profile.
4. Transfer the aromatic mixture to a high-powered blender, creating a smooth canvas for the sauce’s transformation.
5. Pour in plant milk, sprinkle red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper to elevate the sauce’s depth and complexity.
6. Add nutritional yeast or parmesan for an umami undertone, blending until the sauce reaches a silky, uniform consistency.
7. Carefully return the velvety sauce to the skillet, warming it gently to preserve its vibrant flavors and ensure optimal texture.
8. Taste and fine-tune the seasoning, allowing personal preference to guide the final flavor balance.
9. Combine the sauce with freshly cooked pasta, ensuring each strand is luxuriously coated with the vibrant red pepper blend.
10. Plate the pasta, garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh herbs to add a bright, aromatic finishing touch.

Notes

• Swap onions for shallots to enhance the sweet, mellow flavor profile of the sauce.
• Use roasted garlic instead of raw to add deeper, caramelized undertones and reduce potential sharpness.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes – start with a pinch and gradually increase for personalized spiciness.
• Create a dairy-free version by using nutritional yeast or cashew cream instead of traditional dairy products, making the sauce suitable for vegan diets.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg