Introduction
Pasta dishes can be a daily indulgence that satisfies the soul. This easy roasted red pepper pasta is a perfect blend of flavors that transcends the usual spaghetti or penne recipes. Creamy burrata adds a touch of luxury, making even the simplest weeknight dinner feel gourmet.
Using roasted red peppers creates a deep, sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with garlic and fresh herbs. It’s a straightforward recipe that highlights the beauty of homemade cooking without demanding hours in the kitchen. Let’s jump into creating a dish that’s both comforting and delicious!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (spaghetti or penne)
The base of the dish, pasta provides substance and absorbs the flavors of the sauce. Choosing a shape like spaghetti or penne allows for better sauce cling, enhancing each bite. - 2 large roasted red peppers
Roasted red peppers contribute a sweet and smoky flavor profile. They are the star ingredient, providing depth and vibrant color to the sauce, making it visually appealing. - 2 tablespoons olive oil
Olive oil is essential for sautéing and adds richness to the dish. It acts as a base for the sauce, helping to meld the flavors together while also providing healthy fats. - 4 cloves garlic, minced
Garlic provides aromatic flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. It infuses the oil with a fragrant kick, elevating the dish from simple to flavorful. - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Red pepper flakes add a hint of heat that balances the sweetness of the peppers. This spice can be adjusted based on your heat preference, offering versatility in flavor. - 1 cup vegetable broth
Vegetable broth serves as the liquid component of the sauce, providing moisture and enriching the flavor without overpowering the roasted peppers. - 1/2 cup heavy cream
Heavy cream gives the sauce a silky texture, making it creamy and indulgent. It helps to mellow out the spices and rounds out the flavors beautifully. - 1/2 teaspoon salt
Salt enhances the natural flavors of all ingredients and is essential for seasoning. It’s crucial to balance the taste of the sauce and pasta. - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Black pepper adds a subtle warmth, contributing to the overall seasoning without overshadowing the main flavors of the pasta. - 1 cup fresh burrata cheese
Burrata adds a luxurious creaminess that complements the sauce. Its rich texture and flavor create a beautiful contrast against the bold roasted red pepper sauce. - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Fresh basil provides a pop of color and a refreshing herbal note. It brightens up the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile and presentation.
Directions & Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the roasted red peppers.
If using jarred roasted red peppers, simply drain and rinse them. If roasting your own, preheat your oven, place the peppers on a baking sheet, and roast until the skin is charred. This enhances their sweetness and imparts a smoky flavor to the pasta sauce.
Step 2: Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cooking it al dente is critical as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce, ensuring a perfect texture. Reserve some pasta water while draining to help adjust sauce consistency later.
Step 3: Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant. This step is crucial, as proper sautéing unlocks the flavors of garlic and adds depth to the sauce, while the heat infuses into the oil.
Step 4: Blend the roasted peppers.
Add the roasted red peppers to the skillet, then pour in the vegetable broth. Using an immersion blender, blend until smooth. This creates a luscious sauce with a unified flavor, essential for coating the pasta evenly.
Step 5: Incorporate cream and season.
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Cooking gently helps mutate the sauce so that all flavors meld beautifully without boiling off the cream's delicate texture, which is key for achieving creaminess.
Step 6: Combine cooked pasta with sauce.
Add the drained pasta to the pan with sauce, tossing to coat thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. This step ensures every strand of pasta is enveloped in the delicious sauce.
Step 7: Top with burrata and garnish.
Transfer the pasta to serving plates and tear pieces of burrata atop each portion. The warm pasta will slightly melt the cheese, creating a luxurious creaminess. Garnishing with fresh basil adds color and aroma, making the dish even more appealing.
Unlocking the Flavor with Garlic
Garlic is often referred to as the aroma that makes a dish sing. Properly sautéing garlic until it’s golden brown brings out its distinct, pungent flavor while softening its sharpness. In this pasta recipe, the garlic infuses the oil, ensuring that every bite contains that essential, savory note, making the sauce irresistible.
The Importance of Pasta Water
Reserving and using pasta water is a small but crucial detail in achieving the perfect sauce consistency. The starchy nature of the pasta water not only helps bind the sauce to the pasta but also adds a touch of flavor. This practice allows you to adjust the sauce without losing its rich texture, keeping everything nicely coated without being sauce-heavy.
Serving Suggestions for Special Touch
While this pasta stands alone as a delicious dish, consider serving it with a side of toasted garlic bread or a light salad. The crunch of the bread complements the creamy pasta, while the freshness of a salad brightens the meal, creating a well-rounded dining experience that feels both comforting and refined.
FAQs
What can I do if the sauce turns out too thick?
If your sauce is too thick, simply stir in a little reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency. The starch in the water will help thin the sauce without diluting the flavor.
Can I add spinach or other greens to the pasta?
Definitely! Adding fresh spinach or arugula just after combining the pasta with the sauce adds nutrition and a pop of color. Just let the residual heat wilt the greens.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce.
What if I want a more robust flavor?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese directly into the sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar. Both ingredients add depth and complexity.
How can I scale this recipe for a larger crowd?
To serve more people, simply multiply the ingredient quantities while keeping the same ratios. This recipe scales easily and is perfect for gatherings.
What can I use instead of burrata?
If burrata is unavailable, mascarpone or fresh mozzarella can be good substitutes, although burrata’s creaminess is unique. Consider adding a bit more cream for richness.
Conclusion
Creating this easy roasted red pepper pasta with creamy burrata is a wonderful way to indulge your taste buds without complicating your evening. Each ingredient plays a vital role, coming together to create a harmonious dish that dazzles with flavor.
With its rich, creamy sauce and the delightful surprise of burrata, dinner will soon become a cherished staple. Enjoy experimenting, and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends – delicious food always tastes better when shared!
Recipe Card
Delicious Cheesy Spinach & Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Clean the mushrooms and remove stems. Set aside caps, and finely chop stems.
- In a skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add chopped spinach, artichokes, and chopped mushroom stems to the skillet. Cook until spinach wilts.
- In a bowl, combine the sautéed mixture with cream cheese, Parmesan, mozzarella, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each mushroom cap generously with the cheese and spinach mixture.
- Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and tops are golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.
