Description

This Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Alfredo recipe offers a luscious twist on the classic Alfredo sauce by incorporating sweet, smoky roasted red peppers. Perfectly cooked pasta is coated in a smooth, cheesy sauce with a subtle garlic aroma, creating an irresistible dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal, this recipe delivers rich, vibrant taste with simple ingredients and easy steps.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

10 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your preferred variety)

Sauce

1 cup roasted red peppers (store-bought or homemade, with char removed)
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup milk (whole milk recommended or plant-based alternative)
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Roasted Red Peppers: While the pasta cooks, remove as much char as possible from the roasted red peppers. Place them in a food processor and puree until smooth. If needed, add a splash of milk to achieve a silky consistency.
Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Once bubbly, add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant but not browned.
Make the Roux: Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about two minutes until it forms a light paste and starts to bubble slightly.
Add Liquids and Cheese: Gradually whisk in the milk, then stir in the pureed roasted red peppers and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and reaches a creamy texture with a gentle simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat each strand evenly with the creamy roasted red pepper Alfredo sauce.
Serve: Transfer the coated pasta to serving plates and generously top with additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and presentation.

Notes

For extra creaminess, use whole milk or replace part of the milk with heavy cream.
Roasted red peppers can be store-bought, but homemade roasted peppers add a fresher flavor.
Be careful not to brown the garlic when sautéing to keep the sauce smooth and flavorful.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference.
This sauce can also be used with other pasta shapes or as a creamy base for baked pasta dishes.