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Creamy Romesco Pasta Sauce: A Delicious Twist on Classic Italian Flavors


  • Author: Dottie
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Enjoy a deliciously creamy Romesco pasta, featuring a rich sauce made from roasted red peppers, almonds, and garlic. This dish combines vibrant flavors and textures, making it a perfect meal to impress family and friends.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup almonds (blanched or roasted)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 pound pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted red peppers, almonds, minced garlic, chopped parsley, red wine vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Blend the mixture on high until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. The texture should be creamy with a bit of almond texture.
  3. While the blender is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy.
  4. Transfer the sauce to a medium saucepan and set aside.
  5. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  6. Add the pasta of your choice and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
  7. While the pasta cooks, stir the Romesco sauce over low heat in the saucepan. Add the heavy cream and mix well, warming through without boiling.
  8. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
  9. Return the drained pasta to the pot over low heat.
  10. Pour the creamy Romesco sauce over the pasta and gently toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  11. Toss for about 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  12. Plate the pasta in individual bowls or on a large serving platter.
  13. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
  14. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra chopped parsley for added freshness.

Notes

  • Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially the salt and pepper.
  • This dish can be made vegetarian by omitting the Parmesan cheese or using a vegan alternative.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes