Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Italy with our Creamy Red Pepper Rigatoni—a dish that promises to elevate your dining experience from ordinary to extraordinary! This rich and creamy pasta, infused with the smoky sweetness of roasted red peppers, is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of taste that will leave your taste buds dancing. With just 30 minutes of your time, you can whip up a delightful dinner that serves four, making it perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Ready to impress your guests or treat yourself? Let’s dive into the delicious details of this irresistible recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Rigatoni pasta
- Red bell peppers, roasted
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by roasting red bell peppers. If not pre-roasted, cut peppers in half, remove seeds, and roast in a 450°F oven for 20 minutes until skin is charred and blistered. Once cooled, peel off the skin and chop into small pieces.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add roasted red peppers to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine with peppers and garlic. Simmer on low heat for 3-4 minutes until cream starts to thicken slightly.
- Add cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing to coat pasta evenly with the creamy pepper sauce. If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese, stirring to incorporate. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 2 minutes to allow sauce to further thicken. Serve hot, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Roasting Perfection: For the best flavor, don’t skip the roasting step for your red bell peppers. The charred skin adds a smoky depth that elevates the entire dish. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought roasted peppers, but homemade is always best!
- Pasta Cooking: Remember to reserve that cup of pasta water before draining! It’s a secret weapon for adjusting the sauce's consistency and helps the sauce cling beautifully to the rigatoni.
- Garlic Sauté: Be vigilant while sautéing the garlic; it can go from fragrant to burnt in seconds. You want it to be golden and aromatic, not bitter.
- Creamy Consistency: If your sauce seems too thick after adding the pasta, slowly stir in the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creaminess.
- Cheese, Please: Don’t hold back on the Parmesan! A generous sprinkle not only enhances the flavor but also adds a lovely creaminess to the dish. For an extra touch, consider garnishing with fresh basil or additional roasted red pepper bits.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for a complete Italian dining experience. Enjoy your culinary masterpiece!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
