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Tired of your favorite tomato pasta sauce? Try my recipe for this Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce ready in under 15 minutes!
As the first day of spring is near, are you tempted to clean out your pantry? This roasted red pepper pasta sauce recipe can help with that! Did I mention this sauce is ready in less than 15 minutes?!
If you are trying to reduce your food waste at home this recipe is perfect for you. Most ingredients are from your pantry: a jar of roasted red peppers, olive oil, and garlic. Then all you need is milk from your refrigerator and fresh basil. If you do not have fresh basil or garlic cloves, dried basil and garlic powder works well too (detailed below in the recipe).
Attention Picky Eaters!
Have any picky eaters in your family? Try sneaking in a vegetable in pasta sauces! Like I did here in this recipe, your little ones (or grown ones) won't notice the red peppers blended into a sauce. Broccoli also works great blended with a little bit of ricotta cheese (or non-dairy cheese).
This delicious twist on tomato sauce gives a naturally sweet taste while packing in vitamin C! And, instead of topping it on pasta, you could use this as a dip, sandwich spread, or sauce for your favorite protein.
Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce
Try my recipe for this Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce ready in under 15 minutes! This recipe is gluten free and can be made vegan by substituting non-dairy milk for cow's milk.
Ingredients
1 16-ounce jar roasted red peppers, drained
¼ cup fresh basil (or small handful), stems removed*
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, crushed**
¼ cup, whole milk (or non-dairy version if vegan)
¼ cup shredded or grated parmesan cheese, optional
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
In a large food processor, pulse the red peppers and basil until a smooth and thick consistency is achieved. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, pulse until small pieces of the red pepper are formed. Set aside.
In a large sauce pan, heat olive oil on medium heat. Saute garlic until lightly browned, about one minute. Transfer the red pepper mixture to the pan and reduce the heat to simmer. Continue until thickening occurs, about 3-5 minutes.
Slowly pour in the milk and stir for an additional few minutes to allow further thickening. Turn off the heat.
Salt and pepper to taste.
Pour over your favorite cooked pasta. Sprinkle with cheese (optional).
Notes
Besides pairing this sauce with pasta, try it on your favorite protein or vegetable, spread on baguette bread, or as a dip!
* If you don't have fresh basil, try two tablespoons dried basil leaves
**If you don't have garlic cloves or crushed garlic in a jar, try 2 teaspoons garlic powder
AZ@...And A Dash of Cinnamon
I love this! I'm all about clean pasta sauces. They are hard to find store bought so this is perfect
Katie
Thank you! Not only cleaner, but cheaper than store-bought!