Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Penne

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Penne, a dish that transforms roasted red peppers into a rich, creamy sauce that pairs beautifully with penne pasta. This versatile recipe is simple to customize, making it suitable for various dietary preferences, and can be enjoyed for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Discover how to create this vibrant and delicious meal that pleases the whole family while celebrating culinary creativity. Enjoy the process and savor every bite!

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Ingredients

8 oz penne pasta

2 large red bell peppers

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Crushed red pepper flakes, for a kick (optional)

Instructions

Roast the Red Peppers:

- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Cut the red bell peppers in half, remove seeds and stems, and lay them skin-side up on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Roast for about 20-25 minutes, until the skin is blistered and charred. Remove from the oven and place in a bowl covered with plastic wrap for about 10 minutes (this will make peeling easier).

Cook the Pasta:

- While the peppers are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.

Sauté Aromatics:

- In a large skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and smoked paprika, and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Prepare the Sauce:

- Once the peppers have cooled, peel the skin off and chop the flesh. Add the roasted peppers to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Use an immersion blender (or transfer to a blender) and blend until smooth. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

- Add the cooked penne to the skillet with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency. Toss until the pasta is well-coated.

Serve:

- Serve the creamy roasted red pepper penne in bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like some heat.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | 4 servings