If you’re craving a dinner that feels utterly luxurious but is a breeze to pull together, you’ll absolutely fall in love with this Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce (Creamy Recipe). With sweet red bell peppers, a generous swirl of robust ajvar, and a dreamy velvety base of heavy cream, this pasta sauce is a celebration of bold flavors and cozy comfort. It’s perfect for any night you want to treat yourself to something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s make magic with this irresistible dish!

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce (Creamy Recipe) is in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward yet each one brings something vibrant to the table. From smoky-sweet red bell peppers to the creamy richness of heavy cream and the bright paprika kick, every component plays a starring role in creating a sauce that’s both balanced and crave-worthy.

Pasta (16 oz, penne or your favorite shape): Choose a pasta with plenty of surface area to capture all the velvety sauce—penne or rigatoni work especially well.
Red bell peppers (2, diced): Their natural sweetness and beautiful color set the flavor foundation and gorgeous hue for your sauce.
Medium onion (diced): A gently sautéed onion delivers mellow depth and brings all the flavors into harmony.
Ajvar (3 heaping tablespoons): This Balkan spread amps up the roasted pepper notes—try Mama’s Home Style for a punch of rich, smoky paprika.
Reserved pasta water (1 cup): Don’t toss your pasta water—its starches make the sauce silky, binding everything together.
All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon): Just a little helps thicken the sauce to perfect creaminess—mix it with water first to keep things lump-free.
Heavy cream (1 1/2 cups): The secret to a truly luscious sauce, transforming the vegetables into a luxurious coating for your pasta.
Paprika powder (2 teaspoons): For a gentle warmth and that unmistakably Eastern European flair.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a touch of aromatic sweetness, rounding out the sauce without overpowering the peppers.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Don’t be shy—season boldly to highlight all the beautiful flavors in this dish.

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

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start with a large pot of salted boiling water—this is your pasta’s first chance at flavor! Cook the pasta until just al dente, so it can later soak up all that dreamy sauce without getting mushy. Make sure you scoop out a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining—it’s key for thickening the sauce later on. Run the pasta briefly under cold water to halt cooking, then set aside while you start the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Now for the aromatic heart of the dish! In a large skillet, drizzle in a little olive oil and heat over medium. Toss in diced red bell peppers and onion, then sauté for 8 to 10 minutes. The veggies should become soft, sweetened, and fragrant without browning too much. This step creates the deep, caramelized base that will make your Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce (Creamy Recipe) irresistibly flavorful.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

Once your veggies are meltingly tender, stir in those heaping spoonfuls of ajvar. This ingredient does double-duty: amplifies the roasted pepper flavor, and enhances the sauce’s brilliant color. Next, pour in the reserved pasta water and let the mixture simmer for two to three minutes, giving everything a chance to meld and intensify.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Now comes the magic! Add the heavy cream and stir well to combine. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour with 1/4 cup of water to make a thin slurry—this ensures your sauce thickens smoothly with no lumps. Gradually add the slurry to the skillet, whisking as you go. Return everything to simmer and watch the sauce transform into a luxurious, creamy wonder.

Step 5: Season to Perfection

Add your paprika and garlic powder for those signature Eastern European notes, then season generously with salt and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for another two to three minutes—this short rest allows all those spices to infuse the cream and peppers, creating a harmonious, deeply flavored sauce.

Step 6: Toss the Pasta

Gently add your cooked pasta right into the skillet, then use tongs or a big spoon to toss them together. As the pasta simmers in the sauce for a couple more minutes, it absorbs all that vivid flavor. You’ll see the sauce hug every noodle beautifully, making each bite creamy and satisfying.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Dish up generous bowls of pasta while it’s piping hot, and marvel at the way the sauce clings to every piece. Paired with a crisp side salad or a hunk of garlic bread, Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce (Creamy Recipe) makes an unforgettable meal you’ll come back to week after week.

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

Garnishes

To make your pasta look as good as it tastes, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of green. Try dusting with a little extra paprika or cracked black pepper right before serving. For a finishing touch, a handful of grated Parmesan or creamy feta crumbles will turn each bowl into a showstopper.

Side Dishes

Balance the richness of Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce (Creamy Recipe) with a crisp arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or a platter of roasted seasonal vegetables. And you simply can’t go wrong with warm crusty bread or buttery garlic knots—perfect for collecting every drop of that lush sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the weeknight dinner table! Serve this creamy pasta in small bowls as an appetizer for a dinner party, or use it as the centerpiece for a Mediterranean-inspired family feast. For extra flair, try twirling the pasta into elegant nests or serve alongside grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or roasted mushrooms for an even heartier main course.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce (Creamy Recipe) to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep beautifully for up to three days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making for an even tastier lunch or second-day dinner!

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, portion the cooled sauce—without the pasta—into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and add to freshly cooked pasta for the best texture.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat. Stir frequently, and splash in a bit of milk or cream to bring back the original lusciousness. If reheating with the pasta already mixed in, loosen with a little reserved pasta water or stock as needed.

FAQs

Can I make Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce (Creamy Recipe) ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day or two in advance and keep it refrigerated. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta for an effortless meal.

What is ajvar, and can I substitute it?

Ajvar is a traditional Balkan spread made primarily from roasted red peppers and sometimes eggplant, offering depth and smokiness. If you can’t find it, increase the amount of roasted peppers and add a pinch of smoked paprika for a similar boost of flavor.

Will the sauce still be creamy if I use milk instead of heavy cream?

The sauce will be lighter and less lush but still tasty. For best results, use half-and-half or add a bit of cream cheese for a closer texture to the original Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce (Creamy Recipe).

Is this pasta sauce spicy?

Not at all! It’s deeply flavorful and rich, but the paprika and ajvar offer more of a sweet, smoky warmth than heat. For a little kick, you could add chili flakes or a swirl of hot ajvar.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely: just swap the pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety, and substitute the all-purpose flour with a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water for thickening. You’ll get all the creamy delight in a fully gluten-free version.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about bringing a restaurant-worthy dinner to your own kitchen—and Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce (Creamy Recipe) truly delivers. I hope you give this recipe a whirl and share it with someone you love. Every bite is guaranteed to be rich, creamy, just a bit smoky, and completely unforgettable!

Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce (Creamy Recipe) Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 12 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a luscious and creamy roasted red pepper pasta sauce that will elevate your pasta dishes to a whole new level. This easy recipe combines the sweetness of red bell peppers with the richness of heavy cream, creating a flavorful sauce that coats every strand of pasta perfectly.

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: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian