This Roasted Red Pepper Pasta is a rich, creamy, and vibrant dish made with simple, wholesome ingredients. Packed with antioxidants and naturally dairy-free, it’s an easy and delicious choice for busy weeknights. The sweet roasted peppers, creamy cashews, and fresh basil combine into a luscious sauce that’s ready in just 20 minutes!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 shallots, roughly chopped

• 1 jar (15 oz) roasted red peppers, drained

• ½ cup raw unsalted cashews

• ½ cup almond milk

• Fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Parmesan cheese (optional, or use nutritional yeast for vegan)

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots, garlic, a pinch of salt, and pepper, and sauté until golden.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set aside.

3. Transfer the roasted shallots and garlic to a blender. Add the drained roasted red peppers, red pepper flakes, cashews, and almond milk. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Return the sauce to the skillet. Warm it up, then stir in the cooked pasta and chopped basil. Add some reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a silky consistency.

5. Serve hot, topped with additional basil leaves and Parmesan or nutritional yeast if desired.

Nutrients

(Approximate per serving, assuming 4 servings)

• Calories: 463 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 79g

• Protein: 17g

• Fat: 13g

• Sugar: 7g

• Fiber: ~5g

• Sodium: ~400mg

• Vitamin A: ~30% DV

• Vitamin C: ~50% DV

• Calcium: ~8% DV

• Iron: ~15% DV

Why Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Is So Popular

The popularity of Roasted Red Pepper Pasta stems from its perfect blend of convenience, flavor, and health benefits. It transforms simple pantry staples into a luxurious sauce that feels gourmet with very little effort. The roasted peppers lend a deep, slightly smoky sweetness that pairs beautifully with the nuttiness of cashews, while the almond milk keeps the sauce silky without making it heavy. A touch of garlic, shallots, and fresh basil round out the flavors, creating a balanced and deeply satisfying dish. This recipe is beloved not just for its taste but also for its simplicity, speed, and its ability to cater to a wide variety of dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free adaptations.

Perfect for Quick and Easy Dinners

When time is short but the craving for something homemade and delicious is strong, Roasted Red Pepper Pasta rises to the occasion. Unlike many traditional pasta sauces that require simmering for hours to develop flavor, this sauce comes together quickly with the help of a blender. A quick sauté of aromatics, a few minutes of blending, and a toss with cooked pasta are all it takes to bring this dish to life. It’s the perfect solution for weeknights when you want a meal that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen. It also reheats beautifully, making it a great option for leftovers and meal prepping.

A Celebration of Simple, Wholesome Ingredients

One of the standout qualities of Roasted Red Pepper Pasta is its focus on simple, wholesome ingredients that deliver maximum flavor with minimal processing. Roasted red peppers are naturally sweet, low in calories, and packed with antioxidants like vitamin C and beta-carotene. Cashews provide healthy fats and a creamy texture without the need for dairy, while almond milk keeps the sauce light and smooth. Fresh basil adds a burst of herbal freshness that brightens the whole dish. Garlic and shallots lend a savory backbone, and a hint of red pepper flakes brings subtle warmth. Every ingredient serves a purpose, creating a sauce that is both nutrient-rich and deeply flavorful.

Adaptability and Variations

Roasted Red Pepper Pasta is incredibly versatile, inviting endless variations based on personal taste or available ingredients. For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of smoked paprika. For extra protein, you can toss in chickpeas, grilled tofu, or even roasted chicken if not following a vegan diet. Swapping almond milk for oat milk, soy milk, or even vegetable broth can slightly alter the flavor profile to suit your preference. Adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted zucchini to the pasta elevates the vegetable content and adds even more texture and nutrition. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast gives a savory, cheesy flavor for a fully vegan option, while traditional Parmesan cheese adds richness for those who prefer it.

Nutritional Benefits

This dish is a powerhouse of nutrients packed into a comforting bowl of pasta. Roasted red peppers are exceptionally rich in vitamins A and C, supporting immune health and skin vitality. Cashews provide healthy monounsaturated fats, plant-based protein, and important minerals like magnesium and copper, which support heart and bone health. Almond milk contributes additional calcium while keeping the dish dairy-free and light. Basil offers anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants, while garlic supports cardiovascular health and boosts immunity. Even the pasta, especially if you opt for whole-grain varieties, delivers complex carbohydrates and fiber for sustained energy. Overall, Roasted Red Pepper Pasta proves that delicious comfort food can also be nourishing and health-supportive.

Tips for Making the Best Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

To achieve the most flavorful and silky Roasted Red Pepper Pasta, a few tips are helpful. Choosing high-quality roasted red peppers, preferably jarred in water or their own juices rather than oil, ensures a purer flavor and lighter sauce. Sautéing the shallots and garlic until golden rather than just translucent develops a richer base flavor. Blending the sauce thoroughly until completely smooth creates a luxurious texture that clings beautifully to the pasta. Adding a splash of reserved pasta water when combining the sauce and pasta helps emulsify the sauce, making it even creamier and more cohesive. Seasoning well with salt and pepper and adjusting to taste ensures the flavors are bright and balanced.

Serving Suggestions

Roasted Red Pepper Pasta is a complete meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta. Garlic bread or a crusty loaf of artisan bread is perfect for sopping up every last bit of the luscious sauce. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus make excellent accompaniments. The dish also pairs nicely with a glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a complete and satisfying dining experience. Whether served for a casual dinner or a special occasion, Roasted Red Pepper Pasta brings warmth and joy to the table.

Mediterranean Roots and Modern Appeal

While not a traditional Italian pasta dish, Roasted Red Pepper Pasta draws heavily from Mediterranean culinary influences that emphasize fresh vegetables, healthy fats, and simple, vibrant flavors. The use of roasted peppers, garlic, olive oil, and basil are all hallmarks of Mediterranean cooking, reimagined here in a way that suits modern dietary preferences and busy lifestyles. The emphasis on plant-based ingredients and dairy-free creaminess speaks to current food trends that prioritize both health and inclusivity without compromising flavor. This dish perfectly bridges the gap between traditional Mediterranean simplicity and contemporary culinary innovation.

Reasons to Love Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

There are countless reasons why Roasted Red Pepper Pasta deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation. It’s incredibly fast and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy schedules. It’s naturally dairy-free and easily adaptable to vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free diets with minor adjustments. It offers a creamy, indulgent texture and rich flavor without the heaviness of traditional cream-based sauces. It’s packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats, delivering nourishment alongside deliciousness. Its vibrant color and aromatic freshness make it a feast for the senses. Most importantly, it proves that wholesome eating can be deeply satisfying, full of flavor, and remarkably simple.

Conclusion

Roasted Red Pepper Pasta is a perfect example of how simple, high-quality ingredients can come together to create a meal that feels both luxurious and nourishing. With its creamy, flavorful sauce, tender pasta, and bursts of fresh basil, every bite is a celebration of color, texture, and taste. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week ahead, or entertaining guests, this dish delivers elegance, ease, and unforgettable flavor. Naturally dairy-free, packed with nutrients, and endlessly adaptable, Roasted Red Pepper Pasta is a recipe that belongs in every home cook’s repertoire, offering comfort and vitality in every forkful.