RecipesArchit AgarwalJune 16, 2025super easy, pastaComment

Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

RecipesArchit AgarwalJune 16, 2025super easy, pastaComment

A bold, creamy red sauce pasta made without a single tomato? Yes, please.

Let’s be honest — we all love a good red sauce pasta. But sometimes, tomato-based sauces can feel too heavy or acidic. That’s when this recipe comes in like a breath of fresh, smoky air.

This roasted red pepper pasta has become a weeknight favourite in our home. It’s quick, deeply flavourful, and comes together in under 30 minutes. Plus, the sauce is made with a handful of pantry staples — roasted red peppers, garlic, onions, cashews, and just the right amount of heat.

The result? A velvety, nutty, slightly smoky pasta that tastes like you’ve been cooking for hours — even though you haven’t.

Why You’ll Love This

No tomatoes, but still red and delicious
Creamy without using cream
Vegan-friendly (if you skip the cheese)
Nutritious and comforting in equal measure
Ready in under 30 minutes

Recipe

Ingredients

For 2 servings:

1 red bell pepper, roasted and peeled
1 small onion, finely chopped
3–4 garlic cloves, minced
8–10 cashews (soaked for 10 min if you're not blending hot)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp oregano
½ tsp red chilli flakes (or to taste)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
150g pasta of choice (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best)
Pasta water, as needed
Optional: Grated parmesan or nutritional yeast for topping

Method

Step 1: Roast the Bell Pepper

If you haven’t already, roast your red bell pepper directly on an open flame or in the oven until charred. Peel off the skin, discard the seeds, and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Base

In a pan, heat olive oil and add chopped onions and garlic. Sauté on low-medium heat for about 5–6 minutes, till soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Flavour

Add the roasted red pepper, cashews, oregano, red chilli flakes, salt, and pepper to the pan. Sauté everything together for another 5 minutes so the cashews soften and the spices bloom.

Step 4: Blend the Sauce

Transfer the mixture to a blender. Add a little water or milk (if you're not vegan) and blend into a thick, smooth sauce.

Step 5: Finish the Pasta

Boil your pasta till al dente. In the same pan, pour in your blended sauce, add the cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water. Toss well and let everything bubble together for 2–3 minutes till glossy and well coated.