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- 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 - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and black pepper - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Extra Parmesan cheese - Crusty bread as a side dish The main ingredients create a rich and creamy flavor for Roasted Red Pepper Penne. You need the penne pasta for a solid base. Roasted red bell peppers add sweetness and depth. Heavy cream gives the dish its smooth texture. Fresh basil brightens the taste, while grated Parmesan adds a salty finish. Optional ingredients enhance the dish. Red pepper flakes give a spicy kick if you like heat. Salt and black pepper balance the flavors. Olive oil adds richness. Fresh basil leaves make a great garnish, adding both flavor and color. For serving, I suggest adding extra Parmesan cheese on top. A side of crusty bread pairs well with the creamy pasta. It’s the perfect way to soak up every last drop of sauce. Feel free to get creative with your presentation! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheating the broiler or grill Start by turning on the broiler or grill. Let it heat up for a few minutes. - Roasting and steaming the peppers Place the red bell peppers under the broiler or on the grill. Turn them often until the skin gets charred. This should take about 15 minutes. Once charred, put the peppers in a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. This will help steam them for about 10 minutes. - Peeling and chopping the peppers After steaming, let the peppers cool down a bit. Once they are cool, peel off the charred skin. Remove the seeds and chop the peppers into small pieces. - Boiling water and salting In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. The salt adds flavor to the pasta. - Cooking penne to al dente Add the penne pasta to the boiling water. Cook it according to the package directions until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. - Draining and reserving pasta water Once the pasta is ready, drain it in a colander. Save a small cup of the pasta water for later. - Combining ingredients in a blender In a blender, add the roasted red peppers, heavy cream, chopped basil, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese. - Blending to a smooth consistency Blend all the ingredients until you get a smooth and creamy sauce. - Heating the sauce in a skillet In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, pour in the creamy red pepper sauce. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes while stirring. - Tossing penne with the sauce After the sauce is warm, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Gently toss it until every piece is coated in sauce. - Adding red pepper flakes if desired If you like some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes and mix well. - Tasting and adjusting flavors Take a moment to taste your dish. Add more salt and black pepper if needed to enhance the flavors. - Plating and garnishing suggestions Serve the pasta on plates or in bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for a nice touch. Enjoy your meal hot for the best taste! - Using fresh basil vs. dried basil: Fresh basil gives a bright, aromatic flavor. It makes the dish lively. Dried basil can work too, but it lacks that fresh taste. If you can, always use fresh basil for this recipe. - Importance of reserving pasta water: When you cook pasta, save a cup of the water. This water is starchy and helps the sauce cling to the pasta. It can also thin out the sauce if it gets too thick. - Tips for roasting red peppers perfectly: Preheat your broiler or grill. Place the red peppers directly under the heat. Turn them often until the skin is blackened and blistered. This usually takes about 15 minutes. After roasting, let them steam in a covered bowl. This makes peeling easier. - Using a food processor vs. a blender: A food processor can chop the peppers well, but a blender makes the sauce creamier. Use a blender for a smooth sauce. If you don’t have one, a food processor will still work. Just blend until it is smooth. - Serving in deep bowls: Serving your dish in deep bowls makes it look fancy. It also keeps the sauce contained, making it easier to eat. - Drizzling olive oil and garnishing: A drizzle of olive oil on top adds shine and flavor. Place a few whole basil leaves on top for color. You can also sprinkle more Parmesan cheese for an extra touch. Pro Tips Roasting Perfection: To achieve the best flavor, ensure your red peppers are fully charred. This enhances the sweetness and smokiness of the sauce. Fresh Basil Boost: Add fresh basil leaves just before serving for a vibrant color and fresh flavor that elevates the dish. Pasta Water Magic: Reserve some pasta water and add it to the sauce if you need to loosen it up after combining with the pasta. Spice It Up: For those who enjoy heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce. {{image_4}} To make Roasted Red Pepper Penne vegan, you can swap heavy cream. Use coconut cream for a rich, creamy texture. Another good choice is cashew cream. Simply soak cashews in water, blend them with a bit of water until smooth, and use it in place of cream. For cheese alternatives, nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor. You can also use vegan cheese if you prefer. You can add protein to your dish. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage work well. Cook them separately and mix them in with the pasta. If you want vegetarian options, consider chickpeas or lentils. These provide great protein without meat. Tofu is another option; just sauté it before adding to the dish. Adjust spice levels by using different peppers. For more heat, choose spicy peppers like jalapeños. You can also add red pepper flakes for a kick. Adding veggies is a fun way to change the dish. Zucchini or spinach complement the flavors nicely. Just sauté them briefly before mixing them into the pasta for added texture and taste. To keep your Roasted Red Pepper Penne fresh, store leftovers in airtight containers. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. You can safely refrigerate the pasta for about three days. If you wait too long, the sauce may separate and lose its creamy texture. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, the best method is to use the stove. Heat a skillet over low to medium heat. Add a splash of water or extra cream to the pasta. This will help keep the sauce creamy as you stir. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pasta dry. If you want to enjoy this dish later, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled pasta in freezer-safe bags or containers. It stays good for up to three months. When it’s time to eat, thaw the pasta in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it gently on the stove, adding a little cream to revive the sauce. You can use several lighter options. Here are a few: - Half-and-half: It gives creaminess with less fat. - Coconut milk: This adds a touch of sweetness. - Greek yogurt: This is a healthy choice and adds tang. - Cashew cream: Blend soaked cashews for a rich, vegan option. To add spice, consider these ideas: - Add more red pepper flakes for heat. - Toss in diced jalapeños for a fresh kick. - Use spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken. - Try a dash of hot sauce right before serving. Yes, jarred roasted peppers work well. Here are some pros and cons: - Pros: They save time and are easy to find. - Cons: They may have added salt or preservatives. Freshly roasted peppers have a deeper flavor. The total time is about 30 minutes. Here's a quick breakdown: - Prep time is around 15 minutes. - Cooking time takes about 15 minutes. Yes, it's great for meal prep! Here are some tips: - Cook the pasta al dente to keep it firm. - Store the sauce and pasta separately to avoid sogginess. - Reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture. This blog covered how to make Roasted Red Pepper Penne. We discussed key ingredients, including penne pasta and roasted red peppers. I shared step-by-step instructions to guide you in preparing the dish. You learned tips for enhancing flavor and variations to try. In the end, this recipe is simple and tasty. Whether you keep it classic or try variations, enjoy your delicious meal!

Roasted Red Pepper Penne with Creamy Basil Sauce

A delicious pasta dish featuring roasted red peppers and a creamy basil sauce.
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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 a hint of heat)
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • to garnish Fresh basil leaves
  • to serve Extra Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Roast the Red Peppers: Start by preheating your broiler or grill. Once hot, place the red bell peppers underneath, turning them occasionally until the skin is evenly charred and blistered, which should take about 15 minutes. After roasting, transfer the peppers to a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let them steam for approximately 10 minutes. This will make peeling easier. Once cooled, remove the skin, discard the seeds, and chop the peppers into smaller pieces.
  • Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of the pasta water. Set the drained pasta aside.
  • Blend the Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted red peppers, heavy cream, chopped basil leaves, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  • Heat the Sauce: In a large skillet, add the olive oil and heat over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, pour in the creamy red pepper sauce. Allow it to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it heats evenly.
  • Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once the sauce is warmed through, introduce the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Gently toss the pasta in the sauce until every piece is evenly coated. If you prefer a bit of spice, add the red pepper flakes at this stage and mix well.
  • Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and black pepper if necessary to suit your taste preferences.
  • Serve: Transfer the pasta onto plates or bowls, garnishing each serving with fresh basil leaves and a light sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot for the best flavor.

Notes

For an elegant touch, serve the pasta in deep bowls with a drizzle of olive oil on top and a few whole basil leaves for a pop of color. A side of crusty bread pairs perfectly with this dish!
Keyword basil, creamy sauce, pasta, red pepper