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To make this creamy roasted red pepper pasta, you need these main items: - 12 oz penne pasta - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade) - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 onion, finely chopped These ingredients come together to create a rich and tasty dish. The penne pasta holds the sauce well. The roasted red peppers add a sweet and smoky taste. Using heavy cream makes the dish rich and creamy. Seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors in this pasta. Here’s what you need: - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level) - Salt and pepper to taste These seasonings add depth to the dish. Italian seasoning brings herbs that mix well with the red peppers. Red pepper flakes can boost the heat level, so use what feels right for you. Garnishes add a nice touch to your plate. These are great options: - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for garnish) - Fresh basil or parsley for garnish Parmesan cheese gives a salty finish that pairs well with the creaminess. Fresh herbs add color and freshness. They also elevate the dish's look and flavor. You can add as much or as little as you like. Start with a large pot. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add one finely chopped onion. Cook for about five minutes until it turns soft and clear. This step builds the flavor. Next, add three minced garlic cloves. Stir for another minute, being careful not to burn the garlic. The smell will be amazing! Now, add twelve ounces of penne pasta to your pot. Pour in two cups of vegetable broth and one cup of roasted red peppers. You can use jarred peppers or roast your own. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of Italian seasoning and a half teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Adjust the spice to your liking. Add salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender and most of the broth is gone. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in one cup of heavy cream. Let it simmer for another two to three minutes. This helps the sauce thicken up nicely. If you want, add half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts into the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley. You can add more Parmesan on top for extra flavor! To get that smooth, creamy sauce, use heavy cream or coconut cream. Start by adding the cream after your pasta is cooked. Stir it in gently, allowing it to melt in. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth. Keep stirring until you reach that perfect consistency. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. Start with a half teaspoon, then taste it. You can always add more if you want it spicier. For a milder dish, skip the flakes or reduce the amount. This way, you control the spice to fit your taste. To make cleanup easier, use just one pot for cooking. After you finish, soak the pot in warm water. This helps loosen any stuck bits. You can also line your pot with parchment paper for even easier cleaning. Keeping your kitchen tidy makes cooking more fun! {{image_2}} You can use gluten-free pasta for this recipe. I recommend penne or fusilli. They hold sauce well and cook nicely. Just check the package for cooking times. Most gluten-free pasta cooks faster than regular pasta. Keep an eye on it to avoid mushiness. To make this dish dairy-free, swap heavy cream with coconut cream. Coconut cream adds a nice, rich flavor. You can also use any dairy-free cream substitute you like. Just make sure to check the labels for added sugars or flavors. You may want to skip the cheese or use a dairy-free version. Want to boost protein? You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. If you want chicken, cook it first, then slice it. For shrimp, add them during the last few minutes of cooking. Chickpeas can go in at the same time as the pasta. This adds texture and flavor to your dish. To keep your One-Pot Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta fresh, let it cool. Once cool, transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label it with the date. Keeping it sealed helps maintain its creamy texture and flavor. When you are ready to enjoy leftovers, heat them on the stove or in the microwave. If using the stove, add a splash of vegetable broth or cream to keep it moist. Stir gently over low heat until warmed through. If using the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. This way, you avoid hot spots and keep the pasta creamy. You can freeze this pasta for up to three months. To freeze, let it cool completely, then scoop portions into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as described above for the best results. Yes, you can use homemade roasted red peppers. They add a fresh taste to the dish. To make them, roast fresh red peppers in the oven or over an open flame. Once blackened, place them in a bowl and cover it. Let them steam for 10 minutes, then peel off the skin. Chop the peppers and add them to your pasta. Homemade peppers can enhance the flavor and give you a personal touch. To spice up this pasta, add more red pepper flakes. Start with an extra ½ teaspoon. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat. If you love heat, try adding sliced jalapeños or fresh chili peppers. Mix them in with the garlic and onion for a great flavor base. Adjust the spice to fit your taste. If you don’t have vegetable broth, use chicken broth for a different flavor. Water is another option, but it won’t add much taste. You can also make a quick broth by mixing water with bouillon cubes. This will give you a nice depth of flavor. Just remember to adjust the salt in your dish, especially if using bouillon. This blog post explored the key ingredients that make great pasta. We discussed how to cook, season, and garnish your dish. I shared tips for a creamy texture, adjusting spices, and saving time. We also looked at variations with gluten-free, dairy-free, and protein options. Lastly, I covered storage and reheating so your leftovers stay tasty. In conclusion, with these methods and ideas, you can make pasta your way! Enjoy creating your perfect dish.

One-Pot Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

Indulge in a deliciously simple meal with this One-Pot Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta recipe! Perfect for busy nights, it combines penne pasta, roasted red peppers, and a rich creamy sauce all cooked in one pot. It's quick to prepare, taking just 30 minutes, and is customizable for your taste. Ready to impress your family or guests? Click through to get the full recipe and make this flavorful dish tonight!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz penne pasta

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)

1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 onion, finely chopped

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)

Salt and pepper to taste

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for garnish)

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, making sure not to burn it.

      Add the penne pasta, vegetable broth, roasted red peppers, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the pot.

        Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

          Once the pasta is done, stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.

            If using, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

              Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley, and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4