Roasted Red Pepper Rigatoni
This creamy Roasted Red Pepper Rigatoni is a bold and flavorful pasta dish made with roasted red peppers, garlic, and herbs blended into a velvety sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s a delicious vegetarian-friendly recipe the whole family will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (16 oz) jar roasted red peppers, drained
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free option)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for vegan version)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add roasted red peppers and sauté for 2–3 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a blender. Add vegetable broth, heavy cream, and smoked paprika. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Return the sauce to the skillet. Add Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 3–5 minutes to heat through.
- Toss in cooked rigatoni, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.
Notes
- For a vegan version, omit Parmesan or use plant-based cheese.
- Use roasted red peppers from a jar or roast your own for deeper flavor.
- Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Make it spicy with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Find it online: https://yumfamilyrecipes.com/roasted-red-pepper-rigatoni/
