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10-Minute Creamy Red Pepper Pasta Sauce – Quick, Cozy, and Delicious

A silky, vibrant red pepper pasta sauce ready in 10 minutes, creamy, cozy, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Sauce Ingredients
  • 2 large roasted red peppers jarred or homemade
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream or cashew cream for dairy-free
  • 0.25 tsp salt adjust to taste
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese optional
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil chopped
  • 8 oz pasta of choice

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Blender or food processor
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
  2. Sauté onion in olive oil for 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  3. Blend roasted red peppers with cream, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. Pour sauce into skillet with onions and garlic. Simmer 2–3 minutes, adding pasta water to adjust consistency.
  5. Toss cooked pasta in sauce until coated. Stir in Parmesan if using.
  6. Garnish with fresh basil, extra olive oil, and serve immediately.

Notes

Use jarred roasted peppers for convenience or roast your own for richer flavor. Adjust spice level to taste.