You know those nights? The ones where you’re staring into the fridge, completely drained from the day, and the thought of cooking anything complicated just makes you want to order pizza? Yeah, I’ve been there more times than I can count! That’s exactly why I’m so excited to share my go-to recipe for Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta. Seriously, this dish is a lifesaver! It’s ridiculously easy, comes together in a flash, and tastes like you spent way more time on it. The creamy, slightly spicy roasted red pepper sauce is just heavenly, and trust me, your weeknight dinners will never be the same again.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

You’re going to absolutely adore this recipe for so many reasons:

Super Speedy: Seriously, it’s on the table in about 30 minutes, perfect for when you’re short on time.
Crazy Easy Prep: Most of the magic comes from a jar of roasted red peppers, meaning way less chopping and fuss!
Incredible Flavor: That creamy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce? Oh my goodness, it’s addictive!
So Versatile: It’s fantastic on its own, but you can totally jazz it up with chicken, shrimp, or extra veggies.
Weeknight Dinner Hero: It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone happy without stressing you out.

Ingredients for Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

The beauty of this dish is its simplicity! You probably have most of these on hand. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta:

1 pound pasta (your favorite shape works, but linguine or fettuccine are divine!)
2 tablespoons olive oil (good quality makes a difference!)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced (don’t be shy, garlic makes everything better!)
1 (12 ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained and roughly chopped (this is our secret weapon!)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more if you like it 🔥 – adjust to your heat preference!)
1/2 cup heavy cream (for that luscious, creamy texture. If you’re out, you can make your own!)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste (season as you go!)
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional, but adds such a lovely fresh pop!)

Essential Equipment for Your Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

You don’t need a fancy setup for this pasta! Just grab a big skillet, your favorite pot for boiling pasta, and a blender – either a regular one or an immersion blender will work like a charm. Oh, and of course, your trusty measuring cups and spoons!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

Alright, let’s get this deliciousness ready! It’s really as simple as following these steps. Trust me, you’ll be a pro in no time. This recipe truly shines with its straightforward approach, much like other flavorful sauces I adore, such as this creamy Cajun sauce or a good Cajun garlic butter sauce.

Cooking the Pasta Perfectly

First things first, get that pasta cooking according to the package directions. You want it perfectly al dente, you know? The secret weapon here is to save about half a cup of that starchy pasta water before you drain everything. This magic liquid is going to help us get the most amazing sauce consistency later on. Seriously, don’t skip this part!

Building the Flavorful Red Pepper Sauce

While your pasta is doing its thing, grab a big skillet and heat up that olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and let it get nice and soft – about 5 minutes should do it. Now, add in that minced garlic and those red pepper flakes. Give it a quick stir for about a minute until you can really smell that garlic getting fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! Then, toss in those chopped roasted red peppers. Let that all cook together for another 2-3 minutes, just to let the flavors mingle beautifully. Think of it as building the base for something spectacular – kind of like how a great salsa starts!

Achieving a Silky Smooth Sauce

Okay, time to make it creamy! Pour in that glorious heavy cream and bring the skillet to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for about 5 minutes, stirring now and then. Once it’s thickened up a bit, it’s time for blending. You can carefully transfer the whole mixture to your blender, or if you have an immersion blender, stick it right into the skillet. Blend until it’s super smooth and luscious. If you’re using a regular blender, be extra careful – hot liquids can expand, so don’t fill it too full and maybe hold the lid down with a kitchen towel!

Combining Pasta and Sauce for the Ultimate Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

Pour that beautiful, creamy red pepper sauce back into the skillet. Stir in your Parmesan cheese until it’s melty and glorious. Now, season it up with salt and pepper to your liking. Taste it! Does it need a tiny bit more heat? A pinch more salt? Make it perfect for *you*. Then, add your drained pasta right into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently until every strand is coated. If it looks a little too thick, just add a splash of that reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until it’s just how you like it. This little trick is key for getting that wonderful, clingy sauce. For another amazing sauce idea, check out my recipe for Cajun garlic parmesan sauce!

Tips for the Best Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

Alright, let’s talk about making this Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta absolutely sing! I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that really make a difference. First off, don’t be afraid to play with the **red pepper flakes**. If you love a good kick, throw in an extra half teaspoon or even a full one! If you prefer it mild, go easy or even leave them out – it’ll still be delicious. And pasta shape? I find longer ones like fettuccine or spaghetti are amazing because they really grab that creamy sauce, but honestly, penne or rotini work great too! If your sauce seems a little too thick when you toss it with the pasta, just remember that reserved pasta water is your best friend. A tablespoon at a time is all you need to get that perfect glossy coating. For another fiery sauce idea, you HAVE to check out my firecracker sauce – it’s a game-changer!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Let’s chat about a couple of things in this recipe. Jarred roasted red peppers are truly the easiest way to go here – they’re already soft and sweet! If, for some reason, you can’t find them, you could roast your own peppers, but honestly, it takes much longer. If you’re out of heavy cream, don’t panic! You can use half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich. For a dairy-free twist, try a full-fat coconut milk (the kind in the can, not the carton) or a good quality cashew cream. And the pasta? Any shape you love works, but I find the ridges or strands that can really hold onto that luscious sauce are just the best.

Serving Suggestions for Your Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

This Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with a few friends on the plate! I absolutely love serving it with a simple side salad – you know, mixed greens with a light vinaigrette. Crusty bread is also a non-negotiable for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce. If you want to make it a heartier meal, it’s amazing with some grilled chicken or shrimp tossed in! For a great pasta salad idea, maybe check out this classic Italian pasta salad for another time!

Frequently Asked Questions about Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

Got questions about this amazing Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta? I’ve got answers!

Can I make this Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta ahead of time?

You sure can! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.

How can I adjust the spice level of this pasta?

Easy peasy! For more heat, just add extra red pepper flakes when you’re sautéing the garlic. If you like it mild, simply reduce them or leave them out altogether.

What kind of pasta works best for Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta?

Honestly, any pasta you love will be delicious here! I’m partial to shapes that hold sauce well, like fettuccine, linguine, or even penne. For more pasta ideas, check out my classic Italian pasta salad!

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Totally! Just swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative instead of the dairy cheese. Delicious!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Now, obviously, exact nutrition can vary a bit depending on the brands you use and how much you load up on cheese (no judgment here!), but here’s a general idea of what you’re looking at per serving for this Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta. Think roughly: Calories: 550, Fat: 25g, Protein: 15g, Carbohydrates: 65g, and Sodium: 450mg. Enjoy!

Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

Author: memorecipes.com
Total Time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and flavorful pasta dish featuring roasted red peppers and a hint of spice.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (12 ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained and roughly chopped
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Stir in the chopped roasted red peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove skillet from heat. Carefully transfer the red pepper mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth.
Return the sauce to the skillet. Stir in the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

For a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables to make it a complete meal.

Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 20 min
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 65g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta, red pepper pasta, easy pasta, quick dinner, vegetarian pasta, creamy pasta