Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Alfredo Pasta That Will Elevate Your Dinner Game

If you love creamy, flavorful pasta dishes, look no further. Roasted Red Pepper Alfredo Pasta is a quick yet indulgent recipe that combines Alfredo sauce's rich, velvety texture with the sweet and smoky depth of roasted red peppers. Whether making a comforting weeknight dinner or hosting a casual get-together, this dish never fails to impress. Plus, it’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and customizable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to whip up this irresistible pasta dish:

For the Sauce:

2 medium red bell peppers (roasted, peeled, and deseeded)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

12 oz fettuccine, linguine, or pasta of your choice
2 tablespoons olive oil (for tossing the pasta)
Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

Optional Add-Ons:

Grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein
Sautéed mushrooms for more umami
Spinach or kale for a veggie boost

How to Make Roasted Red Pepper Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Roast the Red Peppers

If you haven’t already roasted your red peppers, start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). Arrange the bell peppers on a baking sheet lined with foil. Roast them for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the skin is charred and blistered. Remove from the oven and cover them with foil or place them in a sealed container for 10 minutes to steam—the skins will peel off easily. Once cooled, peel, deseed, and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, drain the rest and toss the cooked pasta with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Blend the roasted red peppers in a blender or food processor until smooth. Add the pureed peppers to the skillet with the garlic and stir.
While stirring, slowly pour the heavy cream aand allowthe mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese gradually, allowing it to melt and create a creamy texture. If the sauce seems too thick, thin it with the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Season with smoked paprika, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy red pepper Alfredo goodness. If you’re adding protein or veggies, mix them in now.

Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy

Transfer the pasta to plates or bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil. If desired, sprinkle on extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and savor the rich, smoky, and creamy flavors.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Bursting with Flavor: The sweetness of roasted red peppers perfectly complements the creamy Alfredo sauce.
Quick and Easy: This recipe requires just a few simple ingredients and under 30 minutes of work, making it doable even on busy days.
Customizable: Add your favorite protein or veggies to make it truly your own.
Looks Stunning: The vibrant orange-red sauce makes this pasta Instagram-worthy!

Pro Tips

Roast Ahead: To save time, you can roast the red peppers a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
Fresh Parmesan Only: Pre-grated Parmesan doesn’t melt as smoothly, so always opt for freshly grated cheese.
Achieve the Perfect Consistency: Use pasta water sparingly to thin out the sauce—it helps maintain the creamy texture without diluting the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with a crisp green salad and a slice of garlic bread for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with a glass of dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

This Roasted Red Pepper Alfredo Pasta recipe combines gourmet flavors with weeknight convenience, making it a go-to dish for any pasta lover. Try it today, and get ready to fall in love with the ultimate comfort food!