Description
This Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce is a creamy, flavorful dish that is simple to prepare yet tastes indulgent. The rich paprika flavor of ajvar combined with the sweetness of red bell peppers creates a delicious sauce that coats your favorite pasta beautifully.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 16 oz pasta (penne or your favorite shape)
For the Sauce:
- 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)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking. Set aside.
- Sauté the Veggies: Heat a drizzle of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced red peppers and onions. Sauté for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
- Build the Sauce Base: Stir in the ajvar and mix until evenly combined. Immediately add 1 cup of reserved pasta water and let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Make It Creamy: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of flour with 1/4 cup water to make a slurry. Gradually add the slurry to the sauce, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Return the skillet to heat and allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Season to Perfection: Add paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir and let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss gently until fully coated. Let it simmer on low heat for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate your creamy red pepper pasta and enjoy every savory bite! Pair it with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for the ultimate meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
