RED PEPPER ALFREDO Unbelievably Creamy!
This unbelievably creamy red pepper Alfredo is a comforting pasta dish with a velvety smooth sauce. The roasted red peppers add sweetness and depth while Parmesan and cream bring richness. It’s quick, versatile, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and entertaining guests.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 2 cups roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade, drained)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent browning.
- Place roasted red peppers in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, then pour into the skillet with the garlic mixture. Stir to combine.
- Reduce heat slightly and slowly pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to form a smooth base. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese while stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet. Toss well until every strand of pasta is coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Cook for another 2 minutes on low heat, tossing gently to allow the pasta to absorb the flavors.
- Transfer to serving plates. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
For added protein, grilled chicken, turkey bacon, or shrimp can be stirred into the sauce before serving.
For a vegetarian variation, roasted zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach make wonderful additions.
The sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently before tossing with pasta.
Adjust creaminess by adding more Parmesan for richness or pasta water for a lighter finish.