10-Minute Creamy Red Pepper Pasta Sauce – Quick, Cozy, and Delicious
There’s nothing quite like a rich, silky, and vibrant pasta sauce to make a cozy dinner feel special. This 10-Minute Creamy Red Pepper Pasta Sauce is exactly that — quick, flavorful, and deeply comforting. With roasted red peppers as the star ingredient, it delivers a natural sweetness and smokiness, perfectly balanced with creaminess and aromatic spices.
Whether you’re new to cooking or just need a weeknight dinner that’s both fast and impressive, this sauce is your ticket to cozy pasta perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 10 minutes
- Uses pantry and fridge staples
- Dairy-free option available with cashew cream
- Bright, flavorful, and comforting
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute guests
The sauce’s smooth texture clings to pasta beautifully, giving you that restaurant-quality finish without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 2 large roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or cashew cream for dairy-free
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 8 oz pasta of choice (penne, spaghetti, or fusilli)
Instructions
1. Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Blend the Sauce
Add roasted red peppers, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to a blender or food processor. Pour in cream (or cashew cream). Blend until smooth and creamy.
4. Heat the Sauce
Pour the blended sauce into the skillet with onions and garlic. Simmer over medium-low heat for 2–3 minutes until warmed through. Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
5. Combine with Pasta
Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Sprinkle in Parmesan if using, and stir until incorporated.
6. Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh chopped basil, extra black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately while warm and comforting.
10-Minute Creamy Red Pepper Pasta Sauce – Quick, Cozy, and Delicious
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
- Sauté onion in olive oil for 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Blend roasted red peppers with cream, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour sauce into skillet with onions and garlic. Simmer 2–3 minutes, adding pasta water to adjust consistency.
- Toss cooked pasta in sauce until coated. Stir in Parmesan if using.
- Garnish with fresh basil, extra olive oil, and serve immediately.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Creamy Red Pepper Pasta
Use Quality Roasted Peppers
Jarred roasted red peppers work well for convenience, but roasting your own intensifies sweetness and smokiness.
Adjust Heat to Taste
Red pepper flakes add a gentle kick. Increase or omit based on preference.
Cream Alternatives
Heavy cream gives richness, but cashew cream or coconut cream work for dairy-free versions.
Make Ahead
Blend the sauce ahead and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of pasta water.
Variations to Try
Protein Boost
- Grilled chicken
- Shrimp
- Sautéed tofu
Extra Veggies
- Spinach
- Cherry tomatoes
- Mushrooms
Flavor Enhancers
- Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness
- Sprinkle pine nuts for texture
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add pasta water to maintain creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
- Toss with penne or spaghetti for a cozy dinner
- Serve with a side of garlic bread
- Pair with a crisp arugula or mixed green salad
This sauce also works wonderfully as a base for baked pasta dishes or even a dipping sauce for crusty bread.
Fun Facts About Red Peppers
- Roasted red peppers are naturally sweet due to the caramelization of sugars during roasting.
- They’re rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and beta-carotene.
- This vibrant sauce is inspired by the classic Mediterranean love of roasted vegetables and creamy pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Raw Peppers?
Yes, but roasting or using jarred roasted peppers brings out a sweeter, smokier flavor.
Is This Sauce Spicy?
It’s mild unless you add more red pepper flakes.
Can I Make it Vegan?
Yes, use cashew cream instead of heavy cream and skip Parmesan or use a vegan alternative.
Final Thoughts
This 10-Minute Creamy Red Pepper Pasta Sauce proves that quick weeknight dinners can be cozy, rich, and bursting with flavor. Minimal ingredients, maximum taste, and just 10 minutes to comfort in a bowl. Toss it with your favorite pasta and enjoy a fast, delicious, and satisfying meal.
