Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Blistered Tomatoes

Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Blistered Tomatoes

A vibrant and luxurious pasta dish featuring sweet roasted red peppers, charred cherry tomatoes, and a silky cream sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Sauce

• 3 large red bell peppers
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Pasta

• 1 pound (450g) fettuccine or penne
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Additional grated Parmesan for serving

Instructions

1. Roast the Peppers:
   • Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C)
   • Cut peppers in half, remove seeds
   • Place cut-side down on baking sheet
   • Roast for 25-30 minutes until skin is charred
   • Place in bowl, cover with plastic wrap for 10 minutes
   • Peel off skin and roughly chop
2. Make the Sauce:
   • Blend roasted peppers, garlic, and ½ cup cream until smooth
   • Pour into large skillet
   • Add remaining cream and Parmesan
   • Simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes
   • Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper
3. Blister Tomatoes:
   • Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in separate skillet over high heat
   • Add tomatoes, cook until blistered and bursting, 5-7 minutes
   • Add minced garlic, cook 30 seconds
   • Season with salt and pepper
4. Cook Pasta and Combine:
   • Cook pasta in salted water until al dente
   • Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining
   • Add pasta to sauce, tossing to coat
   • Add pasta water as needed for desired consistency
   • Fold in blistered tomatoes
   • Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan

Shopping List

Produce

• 3 large red bell peppers
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 5 cloves garlic
• Fresh basil

Dairy

• 1 cup heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese (about 4 oz)

Pantry

• 1 pound pasta
• Olive oil
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cooking Tips

• For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of white wine to the sauce
• Let peppers char well – more char equals more flavor
• Save pasta water! It’s crucial for achieving the perfect sauce consistency
• Use room temperature cream to prevent sauce from splitting
• Don’t overcook the pasta – keep it al dente as it will continue cooking in the sauce

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 725
• Total Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 380mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 89g
• Dietary Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 21g
• Iron: 15% DV
• Calcium: 20% DV
• Vitamin C: 180% DV
• Vitamin A: 85% DV

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on stovetop with a splash of cream or pasta water to restore the sauce’s consistency.