One-Pot Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
This creamy pasta features roasted red peppers blended into a velvety sauce, cooked all in one pot for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs penne pasta, chopped roasted red peppers, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup, chopped roasted red peppers
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup chopped roasted red peppers, 12 oz penne pasta, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
- Step 3: Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta evenly.
- Step 5: Serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (5 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is One-Pot Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
