Easy. Vegetarian. Two words that make me happy. How long it takes: 15 minutes Equipment you’ll need: large pot for pasta, large skillet, blender Servings: 6 This pasta is a great summer meal that is colorful, flavorful and easy to prepare. You can have it ready in about fifteen minutes. Even my dad, who doesn’t like red peppers, enjoys this pasta, although I think his real favorite is pink pasta with tomatoes. Truly, my dad loves any kind of pasta, and so do I.
About This Recipe
This pasta is so easy to make. It’s a great recipe to have in your side pocket for quick meals. You can feel totally comfortable serving it to guests too. Keep a jar of roasted red peppers and a box of angel hair pasta in your pantry so you’re ready to whip up this easy sauce. What do you need to make this sauce? Besides roasted red peppers and angel hair pasta, you’ll need an onion, a couple cloves of garlic, a splash of olive oil, half-and-half (heavy cream works well, too), and a pinch of cayenne pepper. It’s so simple.
How To Make This Pasta Sauce
Get a pot of water boiling for the pasta. Angel hair pasta cooks really quickly. It will be al dente in about 5 minutes so don’t wait to get the sauce started. Heat up a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet; add a chopped onion and a couple of cloves of garlic, sliced. There’s no need to get fancy with chopping because they’ll be pulverized in the blender. Sauté until the onion is translucent and beginning to soften. Add the onion and garlic to a blender, along with a jar of roasted red peppers (drained), half-and-half, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Process until the sauce is nice and smooth. It will be a gorgeous orange color. When the pasta has finished cooking, drain it, and put it back into the pasta pot. Add the sauce and stir until the pasta is coated.
How To Serve This Pasta
Garnish the pasta with lots of fresh basil. Freshly grated or shredded Parmesan cheese is really good, too. Pasta with red pepper sauce can be a light entrée or the perfect side with grilled chicken, salmon, or steak. Try it with air fryer chicken breasts or air fryer salmon for a really quick meal. Another delicious idea? Top the pasta with sautéed shrimp. Just use the same skillet that you used for the onions. It’s also wonderful served with a green salad with homemade red wine vinaigrette, and a loaf of fresh bread with olive oil dipping sauce.
Make It Your Own
Use any type of pasta you prefer: whole wheat, gluten-free, chickpea, etc. Different shapes work well, too. The advantage of angel hair is that it cooks quickly and and, because it’s more delicate, it doesn’t overpower the sauce. Instead of buying a jar, make your own roasted red peppers. Heavy cream can be substituted for the half-and-half. Like a smoky flavor? Add a half teaspoon of smoked paprika. Add a teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning. Substitute a pinch of red pepper flakes for the cayenne pepper.
Make-Ahead Ideas
You can easily make the sauce a couple of days ahead. It keeps well in the fridge for up to a week in a tightly covered container. Reheat the sauce gently in the pasta pot while the pasta is draining. Don’t boil it because the sauce may curdle.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftover pasta and sauce in the refrigerator. It will keep for three or four days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. Do not overheat. Larger portions can heated in a large skillet on the stove.
More Pasta Sauces
Cook something slightly different tonight! Pasta can be “sauced” with lots of exciting toppings. Try:
Carrot Pasta Sauce Fresh Tomato Cream Sauce with Angel Hair Pasta (Pink Pasta) Skinny Alfredo Sauce made with Cauliflower Basil Pesto Recipe (with tips & tricks!) Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Lemon Cream Sauce
