Description
This Creamy Red Pepper Alfredo Sauce is a luscious and flavorful Italian-inspired sauce that combines the sweetness of roasted red peppers with rich cream and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for tossing with your favorite pasta, drizzling over grilled chicken, or enhancing roasted vegetables, this sauce blends smooth textures with a mild kick of crushed red pepper flakes, creating a versatile and satisfying addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (16 oz) jar roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup pasta water (optional, for thinning)
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, which helps develop the base flavor of the sauce.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic to maintain its sweet aroma.
- Cook Red Peppers: Add the chopped roasted red peppers, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes to blend flavors and soften the peppers further.
- Blend Sauce: Transfer the pepper and onion mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the skillet. Purée until the sauce reaches a smooth consistency, ensuring an even texture.
- Incorporate Dairy and Seasoning: Return the pureed sauce to the skillet and place over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and Italian seasoning. Cook while stirring frequently until the cheeses fully melt and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time, stirring well until the desired consistency is achieved. This helps the sauce coat pasta or other dishes perfectly.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the warm sauce over cooked pasta, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired to add freshness and color.
Notes
- This sauce pairs beautifully with fettuccine, penne, or as a base for a veggie-packed pasta bake.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and cheeses with plant-based cream and cheese alternatives.
- Use reserved pasta water cautiously to avoid thinning the sauce too much.
- Crushed red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted based on preferred spice level.
