Imagine twirling your fork into a vibrant, creamy pasta dish that looks like it was crafted by a professional chef, but can be made in your own kitchen with minimal effort. This Spinach Pasta with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce is about to become your new culinary obsession - a perfect blend of Italian elegance and home-cooking comfort that will transform your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary. With its stunning crimson sauce, tender spinach pasta, and rich Parmesan finish, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning dinner guests.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz spinach pasta
- 2 roasted red peppers
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by draining and patting dry the roasted red peppers. Mince the garlic cloves finely and grate the Parmesan cheese.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spinach pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, create the roasted red pepper sauce. Place the roasted red peppers in a blender or food processor. Pulse until smooth and well-combined.
- In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Pour the blended roasted red pepper puree into the skillet with the garlic. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the sauce seems too thick, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Add the drained spinach pasta directly into the skillet with the roasted red pepper sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Gently mix to incorporate the cheese.
- Plate the pasta and finish with a light drizzle of olive oil and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Always reserve some pasta water before draining - its starchy magic helps create a smoother, more cohesive sauce.
- Use high-quality roasted red peppers for the most intense flavor; jarred peppers work great, but freshly roasted are even better.
- Control your garlic sautéing time carefully - 30-45 seconds is the sweet spot to prevent burning and achieve perfect fragrance.
- If your sauce seems too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve the ideal creamy consistency.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh basil to the sauce.
- Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the most vibrant texture and temperature of the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 60mg
