Roasted Red Pepper Vodka Pasta Recipe
If regular vodka pasta had a glow-up, this would be it. Roasted red peppers add a smoky sweetness that makes everything taste gourmet. The vodka smooths out the richness, while cream and parmesan turn it into pure luxury. This dish is proof that a handful of ingredients can create a masterpiece. It’s creamy, slightly spicy, and packed with bold flavors. One bite, and you’ll wonder why you ever settled for plain tomato sauce. Grab your peppers, pour some vodka (for the sauce, obviously), and get ready for an effortlessly fancy pasta night.
Roasted Red Pepper Vodka Pasta Recipe
A smoky, creamy vodka pasta with roasted red peppers, delivering bold flavors and an effortless gourmet feel.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup roasted red peppers jarred or homemade
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup vodka
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup parmesan grated
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni
- Water for boiling
- 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil
- Extra parmesan
Instructions
- Boil the pasta: Cook in salted water until al dente. Save ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook onions and garlic until fragrant.
- Add the spice: Stir in red pepper flakes and tomato paste. Let it cook for a minute to deepen the flavor.
- Blend the peppers: In a blender, puree roasted red peppers until smooth.
- Build the sauce: Add the blended peppers to the skillet. Pour in the vodka and let it simmer for 3 minutes.
- Make it creamy: Stir in heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Let it thicken.
- Add the cheese: Mix in parmesan, stirring until smooth.
- Toss everything together: Add cooked pasta and reserved water. Stir until the sauce coats every piece.
- Serve hot: Top with basil and more parmesan. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
- Calories: 610
- Total Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 74g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g
Vitamin & Mineral Content (Per Serving)
- Vitamin A: 20%
- Vitamin C: 30%
- Calcium: 19%
- Iron: 12%
- Potassium: 10%
Flavor-Boosting Tips
- Char your peppers for extra smoky depth.
- Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.
- Stir in a knob of butter at the end for extra silkiness.
- Use fresh parmesan—it melts better than the pre-grated stuff.
- Pair with a crisp white wine, because why not?
