Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

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This delicious Roasted Red Pepper Pasta recipe combines the rich flavors of roasted red peppers and the aromatic essence of pesto, resulting in a satisfying and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. The sweetness of the red peppers complements the nutty undertones of the pesto, creating a harmonious and comforting meal.

Pasta dishes are one of life’s great pleasures, aren’t they? There’s something so comforting about a bowl of fresh pasta. You can also try my Instant Pot cheesy chicken pasta, this Mexican-inspired Crock Pot Pasta, or give potato pasta a try with this easy-to-make sheet pan chicken and gnocchi dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Red Pepper Pasta Recipe

Perfect for busy weeknights. It can be made in under 30 minutes. All you need to do is cook the pasta, make the sauce, and combine the two. You don’t even need to clean or chop anything!
It’s really flavorful. The roasted red peppers give the sauce a sweet and smoky flavor, and the pesto adds a nutty, earthy flavor.
It’s fresh and wholesome. There are no processed foods in this recipe. You’ll end up with a fresh pasta recipe that you’ll be proud to serve to your family or guests.

Ingredients

Jarred roasted red peppers – You can use jarred or you can make your own. See below for a simple homemade roasted red pepper recipe.
Pesto – Pesto is traditionally made from pine nuts, a tree nut that causes an allergic reaction in some people. You can also buy basil pesto that contains no pine nuts if this is a concern.
Olive oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground pepper
Spaghetti noodles – Any pasta you have can be used if you don’t have spaghetti.

How to Make

STEP ONE: Prep the pasta. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.

STEP TWO: Prep the sauce. Add the peppers and pesto to a food processor. Blend on low. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil until it reaches a sauce texture (a couple tablespoons to 1/4 cup).

ingredients for roasted red pepper pasta sauce in a blender

STEP THREE: Combine the pasta and sauce. Add the sauce to a large saucepan over low heat. Cook the sauce for 1-2 minutes. Add the pasta to the skillet along with 1/2 cup of hot pasta water. Toss the noodles until the sauce is combined. Serve immediately.

How to Make Easy Homemade Roasted Red Peppers

To roast your own red peppers, begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Cut 2 large red peppers in half and remove the seeds and ribs. Cut the red peppers in half again. Place them on a baking sheet and drizzle with a bit of olive oil. Roast for 20-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and look slightly charred, with black edges in some places.

Tips and Recipe Notes

If you want creamy pasta, you can add some cream to the sauce either in the blender or in the pan. Top with parmesan.
To make the sauce spicy, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Cook your pasta until it’s al dente, then remove it from the water so it stops cooking. You can toss the pasta with a bit of oil so it doesn’t stick.
This pasta is easy to bulk up for a more filling meal. Add cooked veggies like shredded or matchstick carrots, sauteed onions or bell peppers, grilled chicken or shrimp, or sundried tomatoes.
Serve with a salad and fresh bread.

FAQs

Do I need to salt the pasta water?

Yes, you should salt the pasta water. This will help to give the pasta more flavor. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to 1 quart of water.

How do I know when pasta is cooked al dente?

Pasta is al dente when it is cooked but still has a slight bite to it. To test the pasta, remove a piece from the pot and bite into it. If the pasta is cooked through but still has a slightly chewy texture, it is al dente.

My sauce is too thick. What should I do?

If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little bit of pasta water or broth.

How to Store Leftovers

This pasta makes really yummy leftovers! The flavors just keep getting better and better. Here’s how to store leftovers:

In the fridge: Store leftover roasted red pepper pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I Freeze Leftover Pasta?

Yes, you can freeze leftover pasta. Pasta freezes best when there’s no cream in it, and it will stay good for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Reheat Pasta

To reheat roasted red pepper pasta, place it in a saucepan over low heat until hot and steaming. You can also reheat it in the microwave in short bursts until hot. Stir it every 30 seconds or so and cover it with plastic wrap so it doesn’t dry out or splatter.

Can this be made gluten-free? Dairy-free?

To make this pasta gluten-free, you need to use gluten-free pasta. To make it dairy-free, keep in mind there is usually parmesan in the pesto, so you’d need to buy dairy-free pesto or make your own using a dairy-free cheese alternative.