Description
Creamy red pepper alfredo pasta brings Mediterranean sunshine to dinner tables with silky, rich flavors. Pasta lovers discover a quick comfort meal that balances roasted pepper warmth with classic Italian cream sauce for a delightful culinary escape you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 large roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)
- 1 cup (240 milliliters/8 fluid ounces) heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan)
- 12 ounces (340 grams) fettuccine, penne, or pasta of choice
Flavor Enhancers:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
Instructions
- Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, submerging the pasta and cooking until it reaches an ideal al dente texture, following the package guidance precisely.
- Before straining the pasta, carefully extract and preserve a portion of the starchy cooking liquid, which will become crucial for developing the sauce’s silky consistency.
- In a spacious skillet, activate medium heat and introduce olive oil, creating a warm foundation for the upcoming flavor development.
- Gently sauté the minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the cooking environment without risking any bitter undertones from scorching.
- Incorporate diced red peppers into the skillet, stirring continuously to encourage even caramelization and depth of flavor.
- Pour heavy cream into the vegetable mixture, creating a luxurious base that will transform into a velvety sauce.
- Gradually fold in the grated parmesan cheese, whisking methodically to ensure a smooth, lump-free consistency.
- Introduce the reserved pasta water incrementally, helping to emulsify the sauce and achieve a perfect, clingy texture.
- Transfer the perfectly cooked pasta directly into the creamy red pepper mixture, tossing meticulously to coat each strand evenly.
- Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and cracked black pepper, elevating the visual appeal and adding a final layer of sophisticated flavor.
Notes
- Roast the red peppers beforehand to intensify their smoky, sweet flavor and add depth to the sauce’s overall taste profile.
- Swap traditional heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter, healthier alternative that still maintains a luxurious creamy texture.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish completely gluten-free, perfect for those with dietary restrictions while preserving the recipe’s rich, comforting essence.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like goat cheese or smoked mozzarella to create unique flavor variations that elevate the classic Alfredo base.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 70mg