Name: Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce (Creamy Recipe) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 16 oz pasta (penne or your favorite shape); 2 red bell peppers (diced); 1 medium onion (diced); 3 heaping tablespoons of ajvar (I recommend Mama’s Home Style Ajvar for its rich paprika flavor!); 1 cup reserved pasta water; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 2 teaspoons paprika powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and black pepper (to taste)

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 26 reviews

There’s something downright magical about whipping up a weeknight dinner that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, and this Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce (Creamy Recipe) is exactly that kind of dish. Creamy, smoky, and bursting with vibrant color, this luscious sauce clings to your favorite pasta, delivering bold flavor with velvety smoothness in every twirl. The real secret is ajvar, that tangy Balkan red pepper spread, which boosts the peppers’ natural sweetness and gives the sauce a lovely complexity. If you’re searching for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s anything but ordinary, look no further—this Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce (Creamy Recipe) is about to become your new weeknight MVP.

Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce (Creamy Recipe) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce (Creamy Recipe) shines because of its accessible, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a unique role in making the sauce irresistibly creamy, flavorful, and eye-catching. Let’s break down how these kitchen essentials work their magic in your pasta bowl:

Pasta (16 oz penne or your favorite shape): The perfect vehicle for soaking up every bit of the velvety sauce; pick shapes with ridges for extra sauciness!
Red bell peppers (2, diced): Sweetness and gorgeous color, giving the sauce its signature hue and flavor.
Medium onion (1, diced): Adds natural sweetness and depth, balancing the peppers beautifully.
Ajvar (3 heaping tablespoons): A smoky, slightly tangy Balkan red pepper spread that delivers a punch of bold, roasted flavor. Mama’s Home Style Ajvar is my go-to for authenticity!
Reserved pasta water (1 cup): This liquid gold helps bind the sauce to the pasta and adjust the consistency perfectly.
All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon): Combined with water, this creates a quick slurry to thicken the sauce just right—no graininess!
Heavy cream (1 1/2 cups): The secret to that dreamy, rich texture that sets this sauce apart from the rest.
Paprika powder (2 teaspoons): Enhances the smoky, sweet notes and deepens the red color of the sauce.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle, earthy warmth without overpowering.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and brightening all the other flavors.

How to Make Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce (Creamy Recipe)

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

First things first: get your pasta water boiling, salt it generously, and toss in your chosen shape. Cook until just al dente, scoop out a cup of that starchy water before draining, and rinse the pasta quickly under cold water. This little trick keeps your noodles from turning mushy as you finish the sauce. Set the pasta aside—you’re just a few steps away from creamy bliss!

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Heat a splash of olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Add diced red bell peppers and onion, then sauté for about 8 to 10 minutes. The veggies should be fragrant and soft, with the peppers starting to caramelize just a tad. This gives your Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce (Creamy Recipe) its naturally sweet foundation and incredible depth.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

Dollop in the ajvar and stir until the veggies are coated in that vibrant, smoky red spread. Pour in the reserved pasta water to deglaze the pan, scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom. Let everything simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Next, pour the heavy cream into the skillet and stir to combine. Whisk together the flour and 1/4 cup water in a small bowl to make a smooth slurry—no lumps, please! Gradually drizzle this into the sauce while whisking, then simmer for another few minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes beautifully glossy.

Step 5: Season to Perfection

Time for the finishing touch: sprinkle in the paprika, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and let the sauce gently simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes. The spices will deepen the sauce’s color and aroma, making your kitchen smell positively mouthwatering.

Step 6: Toss the Pasta

Return the cooked pasta to the pan and gently toss until every noodle is wrapped in creamy, red-tinged goodness. Let the mixture simmer for an extra 2 to 3 minutes; this final step lets the pasta soak up every layer of flavor.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Dole out generous portions onto plates and serve immediately! This is the moment you’ve been waiting for: rich, comforting Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce (Creamy Recipe), ready to enjoy with friends or family.

How to Serve Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce (Creamy Recipe)

Garnishes

The right garnish transforms good pasta into a showstopper. I love a shower of freshly grated Parmesan, a scattering of chopped parsley, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you want a subtle kick. These simple extras add color, freshness, and a touch of indulgence to each plate.

Side Dishes

This Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce (Creamy Recipe) is hearty yet light enough to work with so many sides. Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette, or serve alongside warm, toasty garlic bread for that essential dipping action. Roasted vegetables—think broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus—are also crowd-pleasing companions.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by plating the pasta in shallow bowls and topping each serving with a swirl of extra cream and a drizzle of good olive oil. Or consider portioning the pasta into mini ramekins for dinner parties. You can even serve it family-style in a big dish with extra ajvar on the side for anyone wanting another punch of roasted pepper flavor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce (Creamy Recipe), lucky you! Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—the flavors continue to deepen as it rests, making your next meal even more delicious.

Freezing

This sauce is surprisingly freezer-friendly! If you’re planning to freeze, do so before tossing with pasta for the best texture. Pour the cooled sauce into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little headspace for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Pop it in the fridge overnight to thaw before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply simmer the sauce gently in a skillet, adding a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to loosen it up. If reheating pasta that’s already sauce-coated, use low heat and toss frequently to prevent sticking. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—it’s as good as fresh!

FAQs

Can I make Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce (Creamy Recipe) dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream or a rich, unsweetened plant-based cream. The texture will be equally luscious, with a hint of coconut or soy flavor that pairs surprisingly well with the smoky peppers and ajvar.

What can I use instead of ajvar if I can’t find it?

If ajvar is unavailable, substitute with roasted red pepper puree blended with a dash of smoked paprika and a splash of olive oil. You won’t get quite the same tang, but you’ll still end up with a deliciously rich, smoky sauce.

Can I add protein to this pasta dish?

Definitely! Sautéed chicken, shrimp, or even Italian sausage pair beautifully with the creamy red pepper sauce. For a vegetarian version, toss in chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms right along with the pasta.

Does this sauce work with gluten-free pasta?

Yes, Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce (Creamy Recipe) is fantastic with gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to cook your noodles carefully, as gluten-free pasta can sometimes cook more quickly and may break apart more easily.

Can I make the sauce spicier?

Of course! Add a generous pinch of red pepper flakes, a diced chili, or a teaspoon of hot paprika while sautéing the veggies. You can also stir a splash of hot sauce into the finished sauce for extra heat tailored to your taste.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a true flavor upgrade at dinnertime, make this Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce (Creamy Recipe) your new go-to. It’s comforting, surprisingly effortless, and beams with vibrant color and bold flavors. Treat yourself and your loved ones—you’ll be amazed at how much joy a bowl of pasta can bring. Happy cooking!