This rich and flavorful Red Pepper Pasta features a homemade creamy, roasted red pepper sauce that perfectly coats tender rigatoni. Topped with fresh basil and parmesan cheese, this is one vibrant and easy dish with a delicious gourmet touch.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Roasted Pepper Pasta
• 🛒 Ingredients for Roasted Pepper Pasta
• 🔪 How to Make Roasted Pepper Pasta
• 💡 Tips for Making Roasted Pepper Pasta
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 What to Serve with Easy Red Pepper Pasta
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• How Do I Know When the Pasta is Al Dente?
• What Should I Do if The Sauce is Too Thick?
• What if I Don’t Have a Food Processor?
• Can I Use Dried Basil If I Can’t Find Fresh?
• What Can I Do if My Sauce Separates?
• 🍽️ More Pasta Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Roasted Pepper Pasta

• Bold roasted pepper flavor
• Blended in a rich and creamy sauce
• Hearty rigatoni pasta
• Quick and easy dinner made in under 30 minutes

Pasta is a classic comfort food that never disappoints, and this Red Pepper Pasta brings an easy and delicious twist to the table. Tender rigatoni is perfectly coated in a luscious, creamy sauce made from roasted red peppers, giving it a rich, smoky flavor that is simply incredible. With each bite, there’s a combination of velvety smoothness and a hint of heat, from a pinch of red pepper flakes.

To finish it off, fresh, fragrant basil and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese adds a touch of freshness and a wonderful burst of flavor. This is one of those dishes that feels cozy, yet elegant at the same time. It’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a special occasion when you need a warm and hearty meal without a lot of fuss or time in the kitchen.

While you can use store-bought red peppers, this recipe using homemade Roasted Red Peppers gives the pasta so much flavor. Make and extra batch and use them in this Red Pepper Hummus.

🛒 Ingredients for Roasted Pepper Pasta

• Rigatoni pasta
• Roasted red peppers
• Heavy cream
• Vegetable broth
• Parmesan cheese
• Shallot
• Garlic
• Basil
• Tomato paste
• Salt
• Ground black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Large skillet
• Large pot
• Food processor

🔪 How to Make Roasted Pepper Pasta

Heat a large pot of water and bring to boil.  Once boiling, add some salt and the rigatoni, then boil until al dente.  It should take about 8-10 minutes or so. 

Then using a ladle, remove and reserve about a cup of the pasta water.  This will be used to help thin out the sauce later.

In the bowl of a food processor, pour in the vegetable broth, tomato paste and the drained roasted red peppers.  Pulse until smooth, then set aside.

Heat a large skillet to medium and add in the olive oil.  Add the shallots into the skillet, along with ¼ teaspoon salt, then sauté until tender.

Add in the garlic and continue sautéing for another 20 seconds, making sure not to brown it. 

Pour in the pureed roasted pepper mixture, heavy cream, basil, red pepper flakes and remaining ½ teaspoon salt. 

Simmer on medium low for a few minutes, stirring often.

Stir in the drained rigatoni and gradually add in the pasta water, just until the sauce reaches your desired level of thickness, then serve with the grated parmesan cheese and more fresh basil.

💡 Tips for Making Roasted Pepper Pasta

• Homemade peppers are best, but if you’re using store-bought roasted peppers, briefly roast them in a dry skillet to enhance their smoky flavor. This one little additional step can intensify their richness in the sauce.

• Save a small amount of the reserved pasta water after cooking. You can add this gradually to the sauce to fine-tune its consistency.

• Keep and eye on the garlic as it sautés. It can go from sweet and tender to bitter if it overcooks.

• Don’t rush things. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few extra minutes before adding the pasta. This extra time helps the flavors meld together and develop a richer taste.

☑️ Storage Instructions

Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. The pasta should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

When ready to eat, you can use a microwave or heat it in a skillet over low heat. If the sauce has thickened, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up.

While you can freeze pasta, the texture of the sauce might change when it’s thawed.

🍴 What to Serve with Easy Red Pepper Pasta

This pasta is hearty enough to serve as a main course, so adding an appetizer or salad before the meal is all you need. Here are some great options to consider:

• Burrata Caprese
• Easy Bruschetta
• Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction
• Garlic Rolls
• Antipasto Salad

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Pasta: Swap rigatoni for penne, fusilli, or any other favorite pasta shape.

• Parmesan cheese: Substitute with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.

• Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crumbled sausage for a protein-packed dish.

• Veggies: Toss in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

• Herbs: Experiment with other fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or oregano to add a new layer of flavor.

• Nuts: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts on top for added texture and a nutty flavor.

• Lemon zest: Add a touch of lemon zest to the sauce for a bright, fresh flavor.

• Olives or artichoke hearts: Chop and mix in some kalamata olives or artichoke hearts for a briny, Mediterranean twist.

How Do I Know When the Pasta is Al Dente?

The pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. Taste a piece a minute or two before the package’s recommended cooking time ends.

What Should I Do if The Sauce is Too Thick?

If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water or a splash of vegetable broth until it reaches the consistency you’d like.

What if I Don’t Have a Food Processor?

No worries! You can use a blender or immersion blender to puree the roasted red pepper mixture until smooth.

Can I Use Dried Basil If I Can’t Find Fresh?

Fresh basil is ideal, dried basil can be used in a pinch. Just use about one-third of the amount called for in the recipe, because dried herbs are more concentrated.

What Can I Do if My Sauce Separates?

If the sauce starts to separate, gently whisk it while simmering. Adding a small amount of pasta water can help bring it back together.

🍽️ More Pasta Recipes

• Penne Alla Vodka
• Street Corn Pasta Salad
• Greek Pasta Salad
• Easy Italian Pasta Salad
• Stuffed Pasta Shells with Butternut Squash