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To make Roasted Red Pepper Penne, gather these items: - 12 oz penne pasta - 2 large red bell peppers, roasted and peeled - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in flavor. Fresh red peppers add sweetness and depth. They create a rich and vibrant sauce. Fresh basil brings a bright aroma, enhancing every bite. The heavy cream gives the dish its creamy texture. This combination ensures a delicious meal that feels special. If you have dietary needs, you can make swaps. For a lighter version, try low-fat cream instead of heavy cream. If you are dairy-free, use coconut cream or a nut-based cream. For gluten-free eaters, choose gluten-free penne pasta. If you want a vegan option, use plant-based cheese and skip the cream. These swaps can keep the dish tasty while meeting your needs. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, we need to roast the red bell peppers. You can do this under a broiler or on a grill. Place the peppers on the grill or a baking sheet. Turn them often until the skin gets charred and blistered. This should take about 15 minutes. Once roasted, put the peppers in a bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let them steam for about 10 minutes. This helps loosen the skin. After steaming, peel off the skin. Discard the seeds and chop the peppers into small pieces. Next, grab a large pot and fill it with water. Add salt to the water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes around 10-12 minutes. When the pasta is done, drain it in a colander and set it aside. Now, we move to the sauce. Take a blender or food processor. Add the roasted red peppers, heavy cream, fresh basil leaves, and minced garlic. Also, add the grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend all these ingredients until smooth and creamy. This sauce is rich and full of flavor. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, pour in the creamy red pepper sauce. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir it occasionally to keep it from sticking. After the sauce warms up, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss the pasta well, making sure each piece is coated in the sauce. If you like some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Finally, taste the dish and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil leaves and some extra Parmesan cheese if you want! Roasting peppers gives them a rich taste. Here are my best tips for perfect roasting: - Choose fresh peppers: Look for firm, shiny red bell peppers. - Use high heat: A broiler or grill works best. - Rotate often: Keep turning the peppers until the skin chars evenly. - Steam post-roasting: Place them in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. This helps the skin come off easily. After roasting, let the peppers cool. This makes peeling easier. Then, chop them for your sauce. Cooking pasta right is key for this dish. Here’s how to get it just right: - Use plenty of water: A large pot helps the pasta move freely. - Salt the water: This adds flavor to the pasta as it cooks. - Follow package time: Check the pasta after the suggested time for al dente. - Do not rinse: Rinsing removes the starch. This helps the sauce stick. Drain the pasta but save some cooking water. You can add it to the sauce later for a creamier texture. To elevate your creamy sauce, try these suggestions: - Add spices: A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a nice kick. - Mix in more herbs: Fresh parsley or oregano can brighten the flavor. - Use different cheeses: Swap Parmesan for goat cheese or feta for a twist. - Add protein: Toss in grilled chicken or shrimp for a hearty meal. These enhancements make your Roasted Red Pepper Penne even more delightful. Enjoy experimenting with flavors! Pro Tips Roasting Peppers Perfectly: Ensure even roasting by turning the red bell peppers frequently while they are under the broiler or on the grill. This prevents burning on one side and ensures a consistent charred flavor. Blending for Creaminess: For an ultra-smooth sauce, blend the ingredients until completely creamy, and consider adding a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick. Seasoning to Taste: Always taste the sauce after adding the pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed. A pinch of salt can elevate the flavors significantly. Garnishing Wisely: Fresh basil is not only for garnish but enhances the dish’s flavor. Tear the basil leaves instead of chopping to release more essential oils and aroma. {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to your roasted red pepper penne. Grilled chicken pairs well with the creamy sauce. Just cube cooked chicken and mix it in. Shrimp also works great. Sauté shrimp in olive oil until they turn pink, then toss them with the pasta. For a heartier meal, consider adding sautéed sausage or even tofu for a vegetarian option. These proteins boost flavor and make the dish more filling. If you want a vegan version, swap out the cream and cheese. Use coconut cream or cashew cream for a rich texture. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese, adding a cheesy flavor without dairy. Choose a plant-based pasta too. You can still enjoy that creamy sauce without animal products. Garnish with fresh basil for added flavor and color. To level up the flavor, try adding spices and herbs. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano brighten the dish. A pinch of paprika or smoked paprika can add depth and warmth. For heat, increase the red pepper flakes. You can also squeeze in some lemon juice for a zing. Experiment with your favorite herbs to create a unique twist on this creamy delight! After you enjoy your Roasted Red Pepper Penne, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature first. Then, seal the container and place it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to label it with a date for easy reference. When you're ready to eat the leftovers, you have a few options. The microwave works well for quick reheating. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. You could also reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of cream or water to a skillet, then add the pasta. Heat over low until warm, stirring often to prevent sticking. If you want to freeze your Roasted Red Pepper Penne, start by letting it cool completely. Transfer the pasta into a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. This dish can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it using the microwave or stove as outlined above for a tasty meal anytime. You can pair this dish with a fresh salad. A simple mixed greens salad works great. Add some cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for crunch. A light vinaigrette adds a nice touch. Garlic bread is another tasty option. It soaks up the creamy sauce well. For protein, grilled chicken or shrimp makes a perfect match. You can even serve it with a glass of white wine for a lovely meal. To spice up your penne, add more red pepper flakes. Start with a teaspoon and taste as you go. If you want more heat, double it. You can also add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Another great way is to use spicy Italian sausage. Sauté the sausage before mixing it with the pasta. Remember, you can always adjust the spice level to your taste! Yes, jarred roasted red peppers work well in this recipe. They save time and still offer great flavor. Rinse them under cold water to remove excess oil. Pat them dry before blending. You can use about 2 cups of jarred peppers. This swap will still give you a creamy and tasty dish. It’s a great option for busy cooks! This blog covered how to make a fresh and tasty roasted red pepper penne. We explored key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. You learned how to make substitutions for your dietary needs and add proteins or vegan options. Don't forget proper storage for leftovers. With these simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious meal anytime. Try it out and let the flavors inspire your cooking journey!

Roasted Red Pepper Penne with Creamy Basil Sauce

A delicious pasta dish featuring penne pasta tossed in a creamy sauce made from roasted red peppers and fresh basil.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 2 large red bell peppers, roasted and peeled
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Begin by roasting the red bell peppers. Place them under a broiler or on a grill, turning occasionally until the skin is charred and blistered (about 15 minutes). Once roasted, place them in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap to steam for about 10 minutes. Peel the skin, discard seeds, and chop the peppers.
  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted red peppers, heavy cream, chopped basil, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Pour in the creamy red pepper mixture and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Once the sauce is warmed through, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until all the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. If desired, add red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

For extra heat, add red pepper flakes to taste.
Keyword basil, creamy sauce, pasta, red pepper