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Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Burrata & Herbs


  • Author: Martha
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Description

Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Burrata & Herbs is a rich, flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of roasted red peppers with a smooth, creamy sauce. The pasta is tossed in a velvety sauce made from puréed roasted red peppers, garlic, and a touch of cream, creating a luxurious coating on every strand. Topped with fresh, soft burrata cheese, the dish becomes extra indulgent as the creamy cheese melts into the sauce, adding a decadent richness. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley brings a burst of freshness that perfectly balances the dish’s creamy and savory elements. This pasta is the perfect combination of comfort and elegance, ideal for a cozy meal or a special dinner.


Ingredients

Scale

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy and delicious pasta:

  • 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
  • 3 large red bell peppers, roasted and peeled (or use jarred roasted red peppers)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream)
  • 1 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option)
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • 2 large balls of burrata cheese
  • Olive oil for drizzling
  • Red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Red Bell Peppers: Roasting the peppers enhances their sweetness and adds a smoky depth to the sauce, making it the perfect base for this creamy pasta.
  • Burrata Cheese: Burrata is a rich and creamy cheese that adds a luxurious touch to this dish. Its delicate, milky interior makes it a fantastic complement to the pasta and sauce.
  • Cream and Vegetable Broth: The combination of cream and vegetable broth creates a luscious, silky texture for the sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
  • Fresh Herbs: Basil and parsley provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy sauce, and their vibrant color adds a beautiful touch to the dish.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Burrata & Herbs:

Roast the Red Peppers (if using fresh):

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Prepare the Peppers: Cut the red bell peppers in half and remove the stems and seeds. Place them on a baking sheet, skin side up.
  3. Roast the Peppers: Roast the peppers in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the skins are charred and blistered. Once done, remove from the oven and place the peppers in a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap to let them steam for 10 minutes.
  4. Peel the Skins: After steaming, peel the skins off the peppers. You should be left with soft, flavorful roasted red pepper flesh.

Cook the Pasta:

  1. Boil the Pasta: In a large pot of salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water for later.

Make the Red Pepper Cream Sauce:

  1. Sauté Garlic: In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  2. Add Roasted Red Peppers: Add the roasted red peppers to the pan and cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
  3. Blend the Sauce: Using an immersion blender or regular blender, blend the peppers and garlic until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a slightly chunkier sauce, blend for less time.
  4. Add Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Add the smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
  5. Simmer: Allow the sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. If the sauce gets too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

  1. Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. Let the pasta simmer in the sauce for a minute or two, allowing it to absorb some of the flavors.
  2. Add Fresh Lemon Juice: Stir in the fresh lemon juice for a subtle tang that balances the richness of the sauce.

Assemble the Dish:

  1. Plate the Pasta: Divide the pasta among serving plates, and then top with a ball of burrata cheese. Gently break the burrata open to let the creamy center spill out over the pasta.
  2. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh basil, parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using) for an added layer of flavor and color. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top for extra richness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4-6
  • Calories: 450-500 kcal
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Protein: 15g