Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

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There’s something irresistible about the combination of creamy, savory, and rich flavors in pasta dishes. They have a magical way of transforming a meal into a comforting, soul-soothing experience. One such recipe that elevates this concept is the Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta by Jenn Lueke. This dish is a delightful balance of simplicity, flavor, and nutrition, packing a surprising amount of protein into every bite, thanks to a unique ingredient: cottage cheese. Whether you’re a pasta lover, a cottage cheese skeptic, or simply someone who’s looking for a high-protein meal without compromising on taste, this recipe is bound to win you over.

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Introduction: Why You’ll Love This Dish

Pasta is a universal comfort food, but this recipe offers so much more than a typical bowl of spaghetti. It’s creamy, savory, and a little bit spicy, with the bright and smoky flavor of roasted red peppers weaving through every bite. The sauce is incredibly rich, yet surprisingly light, and the best part? It’s packed with protein, thanks to the use of cottage cheese, making it a perfect meal for those who want to sneak in extra nutrients without even realizing it.

If you’re someone who craves creamy pasta but wants to keep things healthy and high in protein, this recipe is for you. And don’t worry if you’re not a fan of cottage cheese—blending it into the sauce creates a silky texture without any hint of its usual curds. Plus, there’s a plant-based option using silken tofu for those following a vegan diet.

Let’s dive into how you can create this high-protein, flavor-packed dish that will leave you and your family reaching for seconds.

Ingredients Breakdown

Before we get into the method, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients:

• Pasta (16 oz): Jenn recommends brown rice penne for a gluten-free option, but feel free to use your favorite pasta variety. The neutral flavor of the pasta allows the sauce to truly shine, while brown rice pasta adds a slight nuttiness and additional fiber.
• Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Used to sauté the aromatics, olive oil brings a rich, fruity flavor to the dish while keeping things heart-healthy.
• Shallot (1, minced): Shallots have a milder, more delicate flavor than onions, adding a sweet, slightly garlicky undertone to the sauce.
• Garlic (5 cloves, minced): Garlic adds depth and warmth to the dish, infusing the sauce with its signature pungency and aroma.
• Salt & Black Pepper (1 tsp + to taste): Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Dried Oregano & Basil (1 tsp each): These classic Italian herbs bring an earthy, fragrant quality to the sauce. Oregano has a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness of the roasted peppers, while basil adds a subtle floral note.
• Red Pepper Flakes (¼ tsp, optional): For a touch of heat. Feel free to adjust based on your spice tolerance.
• Tomato Paste (2 tbsp): Concentrated and tangy, tomato paste enhances the savory profile of the sauce and adds a rich umami base.
• Cottage Cheese (1 ¾ cups): The secret ingredient for making the sauce creamy and packed with protein. Blending it removes any graininess and creates a smooth, luxurious texture. As mentioned earlier, this can be substituted with silken tofu for a vegan option.
• Roasted Red Peppers (1 ½ cups): Roasted red peppers are the star of the show, bringing a smoky sweetness to the sauce. You can roast them yourself or use jarred peppers for convenience.
• Fresh Basil Leaves (⅓ cup + extra for garnish): Fresh basil adds brightness and a pop of color. The herb’s sweet and peppery flavor complements the roasted peppers beautifully.
• Nutritional Yeast (2 tbsp): A vegan-friendly ingredient that adds a cheesy, nutty flavor without any dairy. It’s also packed with B-vitamins, making it a nutritious addition to the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced shallot and garlic. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the shallots turn soft and translucent, and the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can lead to a bitter flavor in the sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the shallot and garlic are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your 16 oz of pasta (brown rice penne, if you’re following Jenn’s recipe) and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set aside.

Step 3: Season the Aromatics

Now that the garlic and shallots have softened, season them with 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional). Stir the spices into the mixture, allowing them to bloom for 1-2 minutes. Then, add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, mixing it into the pan until it turns aromatic and deepens in color (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

Step 4: Blend the Sauce

In a blender or food processor, combine 1 ¾ cups of cottage cheese, 1 ½ cups of roasted red peppers, ⅓ cup of fresh basil leaves, and 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast. Add the cooled shallot and garlic mixture to the blender as well. Blend on high speed until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. If needed, adjust the salt to taste at this stage.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Once the sauce is blended to a silky consistency, pour it over the cooked pasta. Toss the pasta in the sauce until every piece is coated in that rich, creamy goodness. Depending on how much sauce you like, you may not use all of it—feel free to save some for later!

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

For best results, serve the pasta immediately, topped with chopped fresh basil for a pop of color and freshness. This dish is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Flavor, Texture, and Aroma: What to Expect

The first thing you’ll notice about this dish is its vibrant, orangey-red hue, thanks to the roasted red peppers. As you dig into your first bite, the flavors will hit you all at once: the subtle smokiness of the peppers, the tanginess from the tomato paste, and the creamy richness of the cottage cheese. The dried oregano and basil add an earthy, herbaceous note, while the nutritional yeast gives the sauce a nutty, almost cheesy finish.

The texture of the sauce is incredibly smooth and velvety, clinging to each piece of pasta like a dream. The addition of cottage cheese not only boosts the protein content but also keeps the sauce light and creamy without feeling overly heavy or indulgent.

If you added red pepper flakes, there’s a gentle warmth in the background that builds as you eat, perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the roasted peppers. The garlic and shallot bring depth to the sauce, while the fresh basil adds a burst of brightness to each bite.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

This pasta dish is highly adaptable, making it a fantastic choice for anyone with dietary preferences or restrictions. Here are some helpful substitutions and variations:

• Gluten-Free: Jenn’s use of brown rice penne makes this dish naturally gluten-free, but you can use any gluten-free pasta you prefer. Quinoa pasta or chickpea pasta are great alternatives.
• Vegan Option: Swap the cottage cheese for silken tofu to create a plant-based version of this dish. Silken tofu blends just as smoothly and adds the same level of creaminess and protein. You can also double the nutritional yeast for an extra cheesy flavor.
• Add Protein: If you want even more protein, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the pasta. These additions will complement the sauce without overpowering its flavor.
• Roasted Vegetables: For extra texture and nutrients, throw in some roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or cherry tomatoes. The vegetables will absorb the sauce beautifully and enhance the overall heartiness of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few side dishes. Here are some ideas to round out your dinner:

• Garlic Bread: A crusty slice of garlic bread is perfect for mopping up the leftover sauce.
• Green Salad: A light, refreshing green salad with a lemon vinaigrette would contrast nicely with the creamy richness of the pasta.
• Grilled Vegetables: If you want to keep things light, serve this dish alongside grilled vegetables for a balanced meal.

Conclusion: A New Favorite for Your Pasta Night Rotation

This Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta is proof that healthy, high-protein meals don’t have to sacrifice flavor or comfort. The creamy, flavorful sauce is incredibly versatile, easy to make, and perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. Whether you’re sneaking in extra protein or simply indulging in a delicious, nutritious meal, this pasta will quickly become a favorite