Print

Creamy Red Pepper Alfredo Pasta

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This twist on the classic Alfredo sauce features roasted red peppers blended into a rich, creamy sauce. It’s smooth, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners—plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

Scale

For the sauce:

  • 2 large roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish)

For the pasta:

  • 12 oz (340g) fettuccine, penne, or pasta of choice
  • 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

Instructions

Cook the pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
  • Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

2. Prepare the sauce

  • In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted red peppers, cream, and Parmesan cheese. Blend until smooth and creamy.

3. Sauté garlic

  • Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Cook the sauce

  • Pour the blended sauce into the pan with the garlic.
  • Stir in red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

5. Combine pasta and sauce

  • Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
  • Cook for another 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

6. Serve

  • Garnish with fresh basil, extra Parmesan, or a drizzle of olive oil. Serve hot with garlic bread or a fresh salad.

Notes

  • Use cashew cream or plant-based milk for a vegan version.
  • Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or water.