Description
This creamy red pepper pasta with burrata and fresh herbs is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines the smoky sweetness of roasted red peppers with a rich, smooth cream sauce. Finished with fresh basil and decadent burrata cheese, it’s a comforting yet elegant meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
- 2 large red bell peppers, roasted and peeled (roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Toppings and Garnish
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- Burrata cheese, for topping
- Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional, grate before serving)
Instructions
- Roast Peppers: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place whole red bell peppers on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until the skins are charred and blistered.
- Peel and Prepare Peppers: Remove the roasted peppers from the oven and allow them to cool. Once cool, peel off the skins carefully and remove all seeds.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Blend Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the peeled roasted peppers, heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Sauté Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pour in the blended pepper sauce and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes to warm through and develop flavors.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the pepper sauce. Toss thoroughly to ensure every strand or piece is coated with the creamy sauce.
- Plate and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the coated pasta to serving bowls. Top generously with pieces of burrata cheese, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and optionally grate fresh Parmesan cheese over the top before serving.
Notes
- Roasting peppers adds a rich, smoky flavor but if short on time, jarred roasted red peppers can be used as a substitute.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Burrata adds a creamy texture and mild flavor that pairs beautifully, but mozzarella can be used as an alternative.
- For a slightly lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick when tossing with pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: creamy red pepper pasta, burrata pasta, roasted red pepper sauce, vegetarian pasta, Italian pasta recipe, easy pasta dinner, creamy pasta sauce
