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- 12 oz penne pasta - 3 large red bell peppers - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Optional: Toasted pine nuts for crunch Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. The penne pasta will be the base of our dish. Use three large red bell peppers for a sweet and smoky flavor. Heavy cream adds richness, while grated Parmesan gives a savory touch. Olive oil and minced garlic bring depth to the sauce. Red pepper flakes can adjust the heat level based on your taste. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. Fresh basil leaves will add a fresh aroma. Finally, toasted pine nuts can give a nice crunch, making the dish even better. With these ingredients on hand, you’re ready to create a creamy and flavorful pasta dish. This combination will not only taste amazing but also look great on your plate. Enjoy the process and get ready for a delightful meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} To roast the peppers, first, preheat your oven to 475°F. Take three large red bell peppers and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with one tablespoon of olive oil. Roast the peppers for about 20 to 25 minutes. Look for blistered and charred skins. This gives the peppers a rich flavor. Once roasted, take them out and place them in a bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap for about ten minutes. This steams the peppers and makes peeling easier. After cooling, peel off the skins and remove the seeds. While the peppers roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of penne pasta and cook until al dente. This usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Remember, al dente means firm to the bite. Before draining, reserve one cup of the pasta water. This water helps adjust the sauce later. In a blender, combine the roasted red peppers, one cup of heavy cream, and four cloves of minced garlic. Add half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Blend these ingredients until smooth. This creates a creamy sauce that is full of flavor. If the sauce seems too thick, don’t worry. You can adjust it later with the reserved pasta water. In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Pour in your blended red pepper sauce and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Gradually add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss the pasta gently to coat it in the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a little reserved pasta water. Keep adding until you reach your preferred consistency. Once mixed, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a wonderful creaminess and depth to the dish. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. A little extra cheese can always enhance the flavor. For a beautiful presentation, serve the creamy penne in shallow bowls. Drizzle some extra olive oil on top for shine. Garnish your dish with fresh basil leaves. If you like a bit of crunch, add some toasted pine nuts. This not only adds texture but also makes your dish look inviting. Enjoy! To make the sauce just right, start with red pepper flakes. If you like spice, add more. If you prefer mild, use less. This lets you control the heat. Next, balance creaminess and flavor. Use heavy cream for a rich taste. Blend it with roasted peppers until smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, add a bit of pasta water. This helps create a nice, creamy texture. Timing is key when cooking pasta. Boil water and add salt before the penne. Cook according to the package until it is al dente. This means it is firm but not hard. To prevent sticking, stir the pasta often. After draining, toss it with a little olive oil. This keeps it from clumping together. You can add more herbs and seasonings for extra flavor. Fresh basil works well with this dish. Try adding some oregano or thyme for a different twist. For pairings, consider serving the pasta with a light salad or garlic bread. A crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio, complements the dish nicely. Enjoying these flavors together makes for a delightful meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh red bell peppers and garlic will enhance the flavor of your sauce significantly. Opt for organic produce if possible. Adjust Spice Level: If you're sensitive to heat, start with a smaller amount of red pepper flakes. You can always add more as you taste the sauce. Perfect Pasta Texture: Make sure to cook the penne until al dente for the best texture. It will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. Garnish for Flavor: Fresh basil not only adds a visual pop but also a burst of freshness. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness. {{image_2}} You can make this dish vegan by swapping the cream. Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead. Both options add a nice richness and flavor. To boost nutrition, add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. These not only enhance taste but also add color and texture. For a heartier meal, consider adding protein. Chicken, shrimp, or sausage work great. If you choose chicken, season and cook it in the skillet before adding the sauce. For shrimp, add them to the sauce and cook until pink. If using sausage, brown it first for flavor. Mix your protein with the creamy sauce and pasta for a satisfying dish. If you need a gluten-free version, use gluten-free penne. For a low-carb choice, try zoodles, made from zucchini. Just spiralize the zucchini and sauté briefly. Cooking time will change, so monitor your zoodles closely. They need just a few minutes to soften but not become mushy. Adjust your sauce to fit any pasta type you choose. To keep your creamy roasted red pepper penne fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to cool the pasta before sealing it. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it in portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers for best results. Reheating the pasta can be tricky. You want to keep it creamy and tasty. The best way is to use a stovetop. Add a splash of water or cream to the skillet. Heat it over low heat, stirring gently. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it to keep moisture in and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. When stored properly, your creamy roasted red pepper penne stays fresh for about three days in the fridge. If frozen, it can last for up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage. If it smells off or has a strange texture, it’s best to toss it. Enjoy your pasta in its prime! Yes, you can! While penne is my favorite, you can use other pastas. Try fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Each shape holds the sauce differently, giving you a unique taste. Just make sure to cook it until it's al dente. To add heat, increase the red pepper flakes. You can also add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Start with a little, then taste and adjust. This way, you control the spice level to suit your taste buds. Absolutely! You can make the sauce a day ahead. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, just warm it up on low heat. If it's too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it. This dish pairs well with a fresh salad or garlic bread. For drinks, try a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon. These sides complement the creamy pasta and enhance your meal. Yes, you can lighten it up! Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also add more veggies like spinach or zucchini for freshness. These swaps keep the flavors while reducing calories and fat. You’ve learned how to make a delicious creamy roasted red pepper penne. We covered the key ingredients, from penne pasta to fresh basil. I provided step-by-step instructions for roasting peppers and creating the perfect sauce. Remember to adjust spice levels and try different variations to suit your taste. Store leftovers properly to enjoy later. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make this dish your own! Happy cooking!

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Penne

A delicious and creamy pasta dish made with roasted red peppers and Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 3 large red bell peppers
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves
  • optional Toasted pine nuts

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place the red bell peppers on a baking sheet and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Roast in the oven until the skins are blistered and charred, about 20-25 minutes. Remove from the oven and place in a bowl, covering it with plastic wrap for about 10 minutes to steam. Once cooled, peel off the skins, remove seeds, and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  • In a blender, combine the roasted red peppers, heavy cream, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Pour in the blended red pepper sauce and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add in the cooked penne pasta, tossing to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  • Divide the creamy penne among serving plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle with pine nuts for added texture if desired.

Notes

Serve the pasta in a shallow bowl and drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top. Scatter some basil leaves and pine nuts for visual appeal.
Keyword creamy, pasta, red pepper, vegetarian