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Creamy roasted red pepper pasta is a delicious and easy weeknight dinner that’s packed with flavor. Made with sweet roasted red peppers, garlic, and a rich, velvety sauce, this pasta dish is both comforting and vibrant. Perfect for vegetarians, it’s a healthy alternative to heavy cream-based sauces and comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re meal prepping or looking for a quick dinner idea, this creamy roasted red pepper pasta recipe is a must-try for pasta lovers!
Key Ingredients for Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
To make the best creamy roasted red pepper pasta, you’ll need a few simple, flavorful ingredients that blend into a rich and satisfying sauce. These ingredients not only add depth but also make this recipe both healthy and easy to prepare.
Essential Ingredients:
- Roasted Red Peppers: The star of the sauce, adding sweetness and smoky flavor.
- Tomato Paste: Adds depth of flavor and a touch of acidity to the base of the sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring a savory, aromatic depth.
- Cream cheese: A fat that enhances the richness of the sauce.
- Basil: Basil adds aromatic flavor and complexity to the base.
- Cream: For a smooth, velvety texture—choose dairy or plant-based.
- Parmesan Cheese (optional): Adds a salty, umami kick for extra flavor.
- Pasta of Choice: Penne, fettuccine, really any type works great
Use these ingredients to create a creamy roasted red pepper pasta sauce that’s perfect for meal prep, vegetarian dinners, or quick family meals.
How to Make Roasted Red Peppers in the Air Fryer
Roasting red peppers in the air fryer is a quick and easy method that brings out their natural sweetness and smoky flavor. Simply place whole red bell peppers in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is charred and blistered. Once done, transfer the hot peppers to a heatproof bowl and immediately cover it tightly with a plate or plastic wrap. Let them steam for 10–15 minutes—this loosens the skin and makes peeling effortless. After steaming, gently rub off the skins with your hands or a paper towel, then remove the seeds and stems. Your homemade roasted peppers are now ready for pasta, dips, or sandwiches!
Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
Ingredients
- 200 g dry pasta
- 200 g ground beef
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
Sauce ingredients
- 2 large red bell peppers
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cloves grated garlic
- 4 basil leaves
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1½ tbsp cream cheese
Instructions
- Place your peppers into an air fryer on the highest setting and cook until charred on the outside (approx 10-15 min)2 large red bell peppers
- Once charred, place in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap to steam for 5-10 minutes. (this makes the skin easier to remove)
- Remove the charred skin from the peppers and place roasted peppers into a blender container along with the rest of the sauce ingredients.1 tbsp tomato paste, 2 cloves grated garlic, 4 basil leaves, ¼ cup heavy cream, 1½ tbsp cream cheese
- Blend until smooth. Set aside.
- Begin to cook your pasta in salted water.200 g dry pasta
- Cook your ground beef in a separate pan. Set aside200 g ground beef
- Once pasta is 75% cooked, add your pasta sauce into a medium heat pan.
- Add your 75% cooked pasta along with some of the salted water.
- Add grated parmesan and continue to simmer until the pasta is cooked to your desired texture and sauce is to the desired consistency.¼ cup grated parmesan
- Serve pasta with ground beef, more parmesan, and basil.4 basil leaves
