Description
Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Tortellini is a decadent yet simple dish combining tender cheese-filled tortellini with a luscious, smoky roasted red pepper sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers bold, smoky flavors and creamy richness perfect for busy weeknights or impressive dinners. This versatile recipe can be easily customized with proteins, veggies, or spices to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz cheese-filled tortellini (fresh or store-bought)
Sauce
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, drained and roughly chopped
- 2 garlic cloves
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce: Drain and roughly chop roasted red peppers. In a blender or food processor, combine the peppers with garlic cloves, heavy cream, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and velvety with a vibrant red color.
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions (about 3-5 minutes) until tender and springy. Drain, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour the roasted red pepper sauce into a large skillet over medium heat. Warm gently, stirring occasionally. Add the drained tortellini and toss to coat each piece evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin it.
- Add Finishing Touches: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta, tossing until melted and incorporated. Add chopped fresh basil leaves and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir once more for best flavor.
Notes
- Use quality roasted peppers, either jarred or home-roasted, for best flavor.
- Don’t overcook tortellini; aim for al dente texture to prevent mushiness.
- Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer to thicken or adding pasta water to thin.
- Lightly sauté garlic before blending for a milder, deeper flavor.
- Add fresh basil last to maintain its bright aroma and color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: tortellini, roasted red pepper, creamy pasta, easy dinner, vegetarian, smoky sauce, quick meal, weeknight dinner
