This creamy roasted red pepper pasta is the ultimate easy pasta dinner when you’re craving something cozy, flavorful, and fast.

Sweet roasted red peppers are blended into a velvety sauce with garlic, butter, and white wine—then tossed with pasta for the kind of meal that feels indulgent but comes straight from your pantry.

Whether you’re cooking with leftovers or need a quick weeknight meal, this pantry pasta delivers creamy comfort in just 25 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pantry staple magic – A true pantry pasta using common shelf ingredients

Creamy, rich sauce – Thanks to butter, garlic, and roasted red peppers

Big flavor, low effort – Ideal for a quick weeknight meal

Flexible – Add veggies, protein, or herbs

Elegant enough for guests – Yet simple enough for a Tuesday night

Reheats well – Great for lunch leftovers

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Roasted red peppers – The star of the sauce, sweet and smoky

Shallots & garlic – Classic aromatics for depth

Lemon zest & juice – Brightens the whole dish

Tomato paste – Adds umami and richness

White wine – A splash lifts the sauce and balances the creaminess

Butter – Gives the sauce its signature creamy texture

Capers – Briny pops that contrast the sweet roasted red peppers

Pasta – Any shape you love (penne, rigatoni, spaghetti)

Salt & pepper – Essential seasoning

Pro Tips Before You Start

Save pasta water – It’s key for a smooth, glossy sauce in this creamy roasted red pepper pasta

Slice shallots thin – So they melt into the sauce

Deglaze well – White wine brings out bold flavor

Add greens or protein – Make it heartier with spinach or chicken

Don’t overcook pasta – It should be al dente before finishing in the sauce

How to Make Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook ½ lb pasta until al dente.

Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.

Add 1 thinly sliced shallot and cook for 2–3 minutes.

Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and the zest of 1 lemon.

Step 3: Build the Sauce
Add 1 tbsp tomato paste and stir for 1 minute.

Pour in ½ cup white wine to deglaze, scraping the pan.

Simmer for 2 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Flavor
Stir in 1 cup sliced roasted red peppers and ½ cup capers.

Cook 1–2 minutes to heat through.

Step 5: Toss Everything Together
Add the pasta, 2 tbsp more butter, juice of 1 lemon, and about ½ cup pasta water.

Toss until creamy and coated.

Adjust with more pasta water if needed.

Step 6: Season and Serve
Season with salt and pepper.

Serve warm with extra lemon zest or herbs.

What to Serve With This Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

Garlic bread – Soaks up the creamy sauce

Arugula salad – Adds a peppery contrast

Grated parmesan – Optional but delicious

Chili flakes – Great for spice lovers

A crisp white wine – Use the one from the sauce!

Variations / Substitutions

Use homemade roasted red peppers – If you prefer fresh

No wine? – Sub with veggie broth + splash of lemon

Add spinach, kale, or peas – To make this pantry pasta more nutritious

Toss in protein – Shredded chicken or white beans work great

Make it spicy – Red pepper flakes bring heat

Storage & Reheating Tips

Fridge – Store in airtight container for up to 3 days

Reheat – In a pan with splash of water or broth

Freezing – Not ideal; the butter-based sauce may separate

Leftover ideas – Stir into soups, top with eggs, or use as a pasta bake base

FAQs

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use olive oil or vegan butter in this creamy roasted red pepper pasta.

What wine works best?
Dry whites like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement roasted red peppers well.

Is this spicy?
No, but you can add chili flakes for heat.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, just use your favorite GF pasta and reserve the cooking water.

Should I blend the sauce?
You can for a smoother finish—but it’s optional.

What kind of pasta works best?
Short shapes like penne hold the creamy roasted red pepper sauce well, but spaghetti is great too.

Final Thoughts

This creamy roasted red pepper pasta is proof that an easy pasta dinner doesn’t have to be boring.

With bold flavor, vibrant color, and everyday ingredients, it’s the kind of pantry pasta that becomes a weeknight favorite.

Make it your own, serve it hot, and enjoy every comforting bite.