Creamy Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato Pasta Delight
Indulge in the warmth of this Creamy Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato Pasta Delight, a perfect dish for chilly winter evenings. The rich flavors of roasted red peppers and tomatoes blend beautifully to create a velvety sauce that is both comforting and satisfying. Using Carnation 2% Evaporated Milk adds a lovely creaminess without the extra calories of heavy cream, making this dish lighter yet irresistibly delicious. This one-dish meal is simple to prepare and the vibrant colors and tastes are sure to brighten up any table. Pair with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added richness, and don’t hesitate to explore various pasta shapes for a unique twist each time you make it!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
canned tomatoes
1 (28 ounces, crushed or whole)
roasted red pepper
3/4 (cup, drained and patted dry)
olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
garlic cloves
2 (peeled)
hot red pepper flakes
1/4 (teaspoon)
Carnation 2% Evaporated Milk
1 (cup)
short pasta
3/4 (pound (penne, fusilli, or farfalle))
fresh basil
1/4 (cup, chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by puréeing the canned tomatoes and drained roasted red peppers using a blender, food processor, or immersion blender until smooth. Set aside.
2
In a large deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the peeled garlic cloves and red pepper flakes, cooking gently for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
3
Stir in the pureed tomato and roasted pepper mixture. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the sauce to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Afterward, remove the garlic cloves from the sauce.
4
Pour in the Carnation 2% Evaporated Milk and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.
5
While the sauce is simmering, cook your chosen short pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6
Add the drained pasta and freshly chopped basil to the sauce in the skillet. Toss everything together over very low heat until well combined and heated through.
7
Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato Pasta Delight?
It is a comforting and velvety pasta dish featuring a sauce made from pureed tomatoes and roasted red peppers, lightened with evaporated milk.
What kind of tomatoes should I use for the sauce?
You can use one 28-ounce can of either crushed or whole tomatoes, as they will be pureed anyway.
How do I prepare the roasted red peppers?
Drain the peppers and pat them dry before pureeing them with the tomatoes.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pasta shapes such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle are recommended for this dish.
Why is Carnation 2% Evaporated Milk used instead of heavy cream?
It provides a similar creamy texture with fewer calories, making the dish lighter while remaining delicious.
Is this pasta recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
How do I make the sauce smooth?
Use a blender, food processor, or immersion blender to puree the tomatoes and peppers together until the mixture is smooth.
Do I leave the garlic cloves in the sauce?
No, you should sauté the peeled garlic cloves to infuse the oil and then remove them after the sauce has simmered for 15 minutes.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild warmth from 1/4 teaspoon of hot red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted to your preference.
How long does the sauce need to cook?
The sauce simmers for an initial 15 minutes to thicken, followed by another 5 minutes after adding the evaporated milk.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
While canned tomatoes are specified for convenience and consistency, you can use fresh tomatoes if they are peeled and cooked down into a sauce first.
What can I substitute for Carnation 2% Evaporated Milk?
You can use heavy cream for a richer version or a creamy plant-based milk for a different profile, though the texture may vary.
How much pasta does this recipe require?
The recipe calls for 3/4 pound of short pasta.
Can I add protein like chicken or shrimp to this dish?
Yes, adding cooked chicken or sautéed shrimp would complement the creamy pepper sauce well.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze the sauce?
Yes, you can freeze the sauce separately in an airtight container for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat before tossing with fresh pasta.
What garnish is recommended for this pasta?
Garnish with freshly chopped basil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, any short gluten-free pasta will work perfectly with this creamy sauce.
What if I do not have fresh basil?
You can use a smaller amount of dried basil or fresh parsley as a substitute, though fresh basil is preferred.
How do I prevent the evaporated milk from curdling?
Add the milk towards the end of the cooking process and keep the heat at a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, replace the evaporated milk with a full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream and omit the Parmesan cheese.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish is characterized by rich, roasted pepper notes, acidic tomato balance, and a smooth, creamy finish.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is designed as a simple one-dish meal that is easy to prepare and serve.
Can I use bottled roasted peppers?
Yes, jarred roasted red peppers are ideal; just ensure they are drained and patted dry before use.
What kitchen tools are needed?
You will need a blender or food processor, a large deep skillet, and a pot for boiling pasta.
Can I add other vegetables to the sauce?
Sautéed onions, mushrooms, or spinach would be excellent additions to this versatile sauce.
Why use olive oil instead of butter?
Olive oil provides a healthy fat base that complements the Mediterranean flavors of garlic, tomato, and peppers.
How do I reheat the pasta?
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.
Is this suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, the sauce comes together quickly while the pasta boils, making it perfect for busy evenings.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this recipe.