Sensational Creamy Red Pepper Alfredo Pasta Recipe For Dinner

Creamy comfort beckons with this red pepper alfredo pasta that weaves rich, vibrant flavors into every twirling forkful.

Roasted peppers blend seamlessly into a silky sauce that coats al dente pasta with luxurious depth.

Weeknight dinners transform when this simple yet elegant dish arrives at the table.

Each bite offers a harmonious balance of smoky sweetness and velvety cream.

The bright red peppers infuse the classic alfredo with unexpected warmth and complexity.

Fresh herbs scattered on top add a final burst of color and freshness.

You’ll find this recipe becomes an instant favorite that sparks conversation and delights taste buds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 610 kcal

Servings: 5

What You Need For Creamy Red Pepper Alfredo Pasta

• Fettuccine: A ribbony pasta that cradles creamy sauces beautifully, choose fresh or high-quality dried pasta for best texture.
• Salt: Enhances pasta's natural flavor and helps season the entire dish from the inside out.

• Roasted Red Peppers: Sweet, smoky peppers that add vibrant color and rich depth; opt for jarred or freshly roasted peppers for maximum flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky texture and provides a rich foundation for the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty complexity and helps thicken the sauce naturally; select freshly grated for superior melting.
• Garlic: Brings pungent aroma and earthy undertones; choose fresh cloves for most intense flavor.
• Butter: Contributes smoothness and helps build a velvety sauce base.

• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and brightness to complement the creamy sauce.
• Fresh Basil: Provides a fresh, aromatic garnish that lifts the entire dish's flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: Adds a subtle fruity note and helps develop deeper sauce consistency.

Tools That Help With Creamy Red Pepper Alfredo Pasta

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta with plenty of room for water and noodles.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Cutting Board: Perfect for chopping roasted red peppers and garlic.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for precise vegetable and ingredient preparation.
• Blender or Food Processor: Creates smooth, creamy sauce by blending red peppers and other ingredients.
• Skillet or Sauté Pan: Used for cooking and combining sauce ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir and mix sauce and pasta.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise measurement for seasonings and spices.

How To Cook Creamy Red Pepper Alfredo Pasta

• Boil Pasta Perfectly

Drop pasta into well-salted bubbling water and cook until tender, making sure to scoop out a splash of starchy water before draining.

• Blend Smooth Sauce

Combine roasted red peppers, heavy cream, garlic, and parmesan in a blender, whirling until silky and vibrant.

• Create Creamy Magic

Heat olive oil in a skillet, pour in your velvety pepper sauce, and let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.

• Marry Pasta and Sauce

Toss cooked pasta directly into the simmering sauce, adding reserved pasta water to create a luxurious, clingy coating that hugs each noodle.

• Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh basil leaves and extra parmesan over the pasta, creating a mouthwatering dish that looks as incredible as it tastes.

Tips And Swaps For Creamy Red Pepper Alfredo Pasta

• Silky Smooth Sauce Secret: Slowly whisk heavy cream into the skillet to prevent curdling and ensure a luxuriously velvety texture.
• Roasting Red Pepper Boost: Char bell peppers over an open flame or under the broiler for deeper, smokier flavor before blending into the sauce.
• Dairy-Free Dream: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a plant-based version that's equally creamy and delicious.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the sauce in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating gently before serving with freshly cooked pasta.
• Protein Power-Up: Easily transform this dish by adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy pan-fried tofu for extra protein and substance.

Easy Serving Ideas For Creamy Red Pepper Alfredo Pasta

• Colorful Side Salad: Toss a crisp mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette to complement the rich, creamy pasta. The fresh vegetables will balance the dish's indulgent texture.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These lighter wines cut through the creamy sauce and enhance the roasted red pepper flavors.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken strips or sautéed shrimp on top for extra protein. The lean protein will make the meal more filling and provide a delicious protein boost to the creamy pasta.
• Garlic Bread Companion: Prepare some warm, toasted garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious red pepper alfredo sauce. The crispy, buttery bread will be the perfect accompaniment to your main dish.

How To Store Creamy Red Pepper Alfredo Pasta The Right Way

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store the pasta and sauce separately in airtight containers to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess, keeping each component fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Quick Reheat Technique: Gently warm the pasta by adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water when reheating, which helps restore the creamy consistency and prevents drying out.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Package the sauce in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to minimize freezer burn. Cream-based sauces can be frozen for up to 1 month, though the texture might slightly change upon thawing.
• Portion Control Hack: Divide leftovers into individual meal-sized containers for convenient grab-and-go lunches, making meal preparation easier throughout the week and reducing food waste.

Velvety Red Pepper Alfredo Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade creamy red pepper alfredo pasta blends rich Italian flavors with simple ingredients. Creamy sauce and roasted peppers create a delightful meal that satisfies you with each comforting bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine, penne, or pasta of choice
• 2 large roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)
• 1 cup (240 ml/8 fl oz) heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
• 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsps fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, reserving a cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Sauce Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, then gently sauté minced garlic until fragrant without browning.
3. Vegetable Infusion: Add diced red peppers to the skillet, stirring to caramelize and develop rich flavor profiles, creating a vibrant base for the sauce.
4. Cream Transformation: Pour heavy cream into the skillet, then gradually whisk in parmesan cheese, creating a silky, smooth sauce while preventing any unwanted cheese clumping.
5. Sauce Refinement: Integrate reserved pasta water slowly, emulsifying the sauce to achieve a perfect, clingy consistency that will elegantly coat the pasta.
6. Final Assembly: Combine pasta with the creamy red pepper sauce, tossing thoroughly to ensure each strand is completely enveloped in the luxurious mixture.
7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley and cracked black pepper over the dish, adding a final touch of color, aroma, and sophisticated flavor complexity.

Notes

• Preserve Pasta Water: Starchy liquid acts as a magical sauce thickener and binding agent, helping create seamless texture and smooth consistency.
• Control Garlic Heat: Sauté garlic gently at medium-low temperature to prevent burning, which releases bitter flavors and ruins sauce delicacy.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Add parmesan gradually and whisk consistently to prevent clumping, ensuring silky smooth sauce without grainy texture.
• Dietary Adaptation Options: Substitute heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like cashew cream for vegan version, or use gluten-free pasta for celiac-friendly preparation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg