Pasta with Sweet Red Pepper Sauce

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Pasta with Sweet Red Pepper Sauce, a dish that transforms everyday ingredients into a savory masterpiece. Perfectly al dente pasta, whether penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti, is enveloped in a creamy roasted red bell pepper sauce infused with aromatic garlic, caramelized onion, and a hint of Parmesan cheese. The roasted peppers lend a natural sweetness and smoky depth, while optional red chili flakes add a subtle kick for spice lovers. Finished with fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, this quick and satisfying recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 30 minutes, this crowd-pleasing pasta dish is as easy to prepare as it is delicious.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
• 3 large red bell peppers
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 150 milliliters heavy cream
• 50 grams grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• 5 leaves fresh basil leaves
• 3 liters water
• 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. Begin by roasting the red bell peppers. Place them directly over a gas flame or under the broiler, turning occasionally, until the skin is charred all over. Place the roasted peppers in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let them steam for 10 minutes, then peel off the charred skin, remove the seeds, and roughly chop the flesh.

Step 3

In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Chop the onion and garlic. Add the onion to the pan and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until softened. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the chopped roasted peppers to the pan and season with salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5

Transfer the contents of the pan to a blender or food processor. Add the heavy cream and blend until smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6

Pour the sauce back into the pan over low heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.

Step 7

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 8

Serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(4373.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1815.6

Total Fat 98.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 45.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 200mg	0%
Sodium 9199.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 169.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.5g	0%
Total Sugars 27.4g
Protein 50.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 842.8mg	0%
Iron 7.6mg	0%
Potassium 1578.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.1%

Protein: 11.4%

Carbs: 38.4%