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- Pasta type options: You can use 12 oz of penne or fusilli. Both hold sauce well. - Key flavors: Red peppers bring sweetness. Spices like paprika and Italian seasoning add depth. Cream gives a rich finish. - Optional ingredients for added richness: You might add ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy touch. Fresh basil also brightens the dish. If you prefer a dairy-free option, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream. These ingredients combine to make a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare in one pot. To start, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about three to four minutes until it turns translucent. This step builds a tasty foundation for our pasta. Next, stir in three minced garlic cloves, one teaspoon of paprika, and one teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Let these cook for one more minute. You will love how this smells! The spices add depth and warmth to the dish, making each bite flavorful. Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Add 12 ounces of dry pasta to the pot. You can use penne or fusilli for this recipe. Then, mix in the roasted and diced red bell peppers and two cups of vegetable broth. Stir everything well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. Check the pasta for doneness; it should be al dente. Once the pasta is cooked, it’s time for the magic. Stir in one cup of heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free option. If you want to add richness, mix in half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Combine well until the sauce becomes creamy and everything is heated through. Finally, season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning to your liking. This step is key to making the flavors pop. Enjoy the creamy goodness! To cook al dente pasta, boil it for 12 to 15 minutes. This gives the pasta a firm bite. Stir the pasta often to prevent sticking. To ensure the sauce thickens properly, let it simmer with the pasta. As the pasta cooks, it releases starch. This starch helps the sauce cling to the pasta. If the sauce feels too thin, let it cook a bit longer. Add extra spices or herbs to boost flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can brighten the dish. You can customize heat levels easily. Use spicy red peppers for a kick. If you like it milder, stick to sweet bell peppers. Adding a splash of hot sauce is another great option. {{image_2}} To make this dish dairy-free, I suggest using coconut milk instead of heavy cream. Coconut milk gives a rich taste without the dairy. You can also skip cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. These swaps keep the creamy texture while accommodating different diets. Adding protein can make your meal heartier. Cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu all work well. If you choose chicken or shrimp, add them to the pot after sautéing the onions and garlic. For tofu, toss it in with the pasta and broth. Adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they are heated through. Feel free to mix in other vegetables for extra color and nutrition. Spinach, peas, or zucchini can add freshness. You can also swap in seasonal veggies like asparagus in spring or butternut squash in fall. These options make the dish versatile and fun to customize. To keep your One Pot Creamy Red Pepper Pasta fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to let the pasta cool before sealing. Store the leftovers in the fridge. They can last for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. For freezing, place the pasta in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top, as it may expand. You can also freeze it in portions. It helps to thaw only what you need. The pasta can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheating your pasta can be simple and easy. The best method is to use the stovetop. Place the pasta in a pan with a splash of water or broth. Heat it over medium-low. Stir often to prevent sticking. This method helps keep the sauce creamy. You can also use the microwave. Transfer the pasta to a microwave-safe dish. Add a little water to keep it moist. Cover it with a lid or wrap. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Watch out for overcooked pasta. It can become mushy quickly. Aim for warm, not boiling. Enjoy your creamy pasta just like when it was fresh! Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta. This option works well for those with dietary needs. Just keep an eye on the cooking time. Gluten-free pasta often cooks faster than regular pasta. Start checking it at the 8-minute mark to avoid overcooking. To add some heat, use spicy peppers or hot sauce. You can try adding diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. These options give your dish a nice kick. If you like sauces, a dash of sriracha or chili paste can work wonders too. Adjust the spice level to your taste. This pasta pairs well with simple side salads or fresh bread. A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette is a great choice. Garlic bread also complements the creamy sauce nicely. For drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc enhances the meal. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with lemon is refreshing. This blog post guides you in creating a flavorful pasta dish. We covered key ingredients like different pasta types and flavors to enhance your meal. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for perfect texture, variations for dietary needs, and storage info. Remember to customize each step to suit your taste. Enjoy cooking and sharing this delicious pasta with friends and family!

One Pot Creamy Red Pepper Pasta

Satisfy your cravings with this One Pot Creamy Red Pepper Pasta that's as delicious as it is easy to make! Made with roasted red peppers, aromatic spices, and a luscious cream sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. Discover how simple ingredients come together for a comforting meal in just 25 minutes. Click through for the step-by-step recipe and elevate your dinner game tonight!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or fusilli works great)

2 red bell peppers, roasted and diced

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free option

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Fresh basil for garnish

Olive oil for cooking

Instructions
 

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).

    Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

      Combine Pasta and Broth: Add the dry pasta to the pot, followed by the diced roasted red peppers and vegetable broth. Stir everything together to combine.

        Cook the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.

          Make it Creamy: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and grated Parmesan cheese, if using. Mix well until the sauce is creamy and everything is heated through.

            Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper as needed, adjusting to your flavor preference.

              Serve: Remove from heat, and garnish with fresh basil before serving.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 25 minutes | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in shallow bowls, drizzled with a bit of olive oil and extra fresh basil on top for a pop of color.