Description
A creamy, vibrant pasta dish made with roasted red peppers blended into a rich Alfredo sauce. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, perfect for weeknights or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (12 ounces) roasted red peppers, drained and coarsely chopped
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 pound dried pasta (fusilli, penne, fettuccine, or linguine work well)
- 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 additional minute. Remove the pan from heat.
- Stir in the roasted red peppers, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and a few grinds of black pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until completely smooth. (You may also use an immersion blender directly in the saucepan.)
- Cook the pasta in the boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Return the pasta to the pot and pour in the blended pepper sauce. Toss until evenly coated.
- If needed, add a tablespoon of reserved pasta water at a time to loosen the sauce.
- Top with chopped fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for protein.
- Use red pepper flakes for a spicier version.
- Half-and-half can be used instead of heavy cream for a lighter option.
- Pecorino Romano can replace Parmesan for a sharper flavor.
- Stir in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added texture and nutrients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
