When it comes to comforting, delicious, and easy-to-make pasta dishes, this Roasted Red Pepper Rigatoni is at the top of the list. It combines the smoky sweetness of roasted red peppers with a rich, creamy sauce that clings perfectly to every bite of rigatoni. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner on a weeknight or an impressive dish to serve at a dinner party, this pasta recipe is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Roasted Red Pepper Rigatoni is the perfect balance of creamy and savory, with a subtle sweetness from the roasted red peppers. The sauce is made with a few simple ingredients like cream cheese, parmesan, and half-and-half, which come together to create a luxurious texture and flavor. It’s a great way to elevate a basic pasta dish into something special without a lot of effort.
The best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand, and it’s easy to make gluten-free or vegetarian if needed. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delicious Roasted Red Pepper Rigatoni, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta (or pasta of choice): Rigatoni works well because the tube shape holds the creamy sauce, but any pasta will do.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (approximately 3-4 cloves): Adds depth and aroma to the sauce.
- 3 shallots, thinly sliced (or ½ medium yellow onion): Provides a mild sweetness and savory flavor.
- 2 tablespoons butter: For sautéing the shallots and garlic, adding richness to the sauce.
- 1 cup half-and-half (or substitute with milk of choice or heavy cream): Creates a creamy base for the sauce.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temp and cubed: Adds a creamy, tangy element to the sauce.
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- 12 oz jar of roasted red peppers (in water), drained and rinsed: The star ingredient that gives the sauce its vibrant color and flavor.
For Garnishing:
- Fresh or dried basil: Adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note.
- Grated parmesan cheese: For extra cheesy goodness on top.
How to Make Roasted Red Pepper Rigatoni
Follow these easy steps to create a delicious, restaurant-quality pasta dish at home:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water, and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Shallots and Garlic
In a large, preheated pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the thinly sliced shallots and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour the half-and-half into the pan with the shallots and garlic, and then add the cubed cream cheese and grated parmesan. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has melted completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Roasted Red Peppers
Add the drained and rinsed roasted red peppers to the sauce, stirring gently to warm them through. After about 2 minutes, transfer the sauce to a blender or use an immersion blender to blend until the sauce is completely smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Combine the Sauce and Pasta
Return the sauce to the pan and add the cooked rigatoni. Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to thin out the sauce to your desired consistency.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the pasta to serving bowls and garnish with fresh or dried basil and extra grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, flavorful goodness!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot: For cooking the pasta.
- Large skillet or saucepan: For making the sauce.
- Blender or immersion blender: For blending the sauce until smooth.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the sauce.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients.
