Creamy Roasted Red Pepper and Ricotta Pasta Sauce
Elevate your pasta dishes with this rich and flavorful Creamy Roasted Red Pepper and Ricotta Pasta Sauce. This delightful Mediterranean-inspired sauce combines the sweetness of roasted red bell peppers with the creamy texture of ricotta cheese, delivering a velvety addition to your favorite pasta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this sauce is easy to make and beautifully complements the flavors of fresh herbs and garlic. Share it with friends and family for a comforting, gourmet meal that they will love!
4
Servings
212.5
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ricotta cheese
15 ounces (soft and smooth)
Roasted red peppers
7 ounces (rinsed and drained)
Olive oil
1/4 cup (extra virgin preferred)
Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon (grated)
Garlic clove
1 (crushed)
Fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
Instructions
1
In a food processor, combine the ricotta cheese, roasted red peppers, olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, and crushed garlic clove.
2
Pulse the mixture until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed to fully incorporate all ingredients.
3
Transfer the sauce to a mixing bowl and fold in the freshly chopped parsley and dried oregano.
4
Cook your choice of pasta according to package instructions, reserving a bit of the cooking water.
5
Toss the hot pasta with the creamy roasted red pepper sauce, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
6
Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
12.75g
Fat
15.5g
Carbs
8.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Roasted Red Pepper and Ricotta Pasta Sauce?
It is a rich, Mediterranean-inspired sauce made by blending roasted red peppers with ricotta cheese, garlic, and parmesan for a velvety texture.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, 7 ounces of roasted red peppers, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, fresh parsley, and dried oregano.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Is this pasta sauce suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this sauce is vegetarian-friendly as it contains only cheese, vegetables, and herbs.
How do I achieve the creamy consistency for the sauce?
By processing the ricotta cheese, roasted red peppers, olive oil, Parmesan, and garlic in a food processor until smooth.
Can I use fresh red bell peppers instead of jarred ones?
Yes, however, you should roast, peel, and seed them first to match the flavor and texture of jarred roasted peppers.
What type of ricotta cheese is recommended?
A standard 15-ounce container of soft and smooth ricotta works best for this recipe.
Is there a specific way to prepare the roasted red peppers?
The peppers should be rinsed and drained thoroughly before being added to the food processor.
Do I need to cook the sauce on the stove?
No, the sauce is blended and then tossed with hot pasta; the residual heat from the pasta warms the sauce through.
How should the garlic be prepared?
One garlic clove should be crushed before being added to the food processor for blending.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
You can add a splash of reserved pasta cooking water to the mixture to reach your desired consistency.
How many calories are in one serving of this sauce?
There are approximately 212.5 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains about 12.75 grams of fat.
How much protein does this sauce provide?
Each serving contains roughly 8.5 grams of protein.
Can I substitute the fresh parsley with dried parsley?
Yes, but use a smaller amount as dried herbs are more concentrated. 2 tablespoons of fresh usually equals about 2 teaspoons of dried.
Is this sauce considered gluten-free?
The sauce ingredients are naturally gluten-free; simply serve it over your favorite gluten-free pasta.
What kind of olive oil should I use?
Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for the best flavor profile.
Can I add extra Parmesan cheese?
Yes, the recipe suggests garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese at the end if desired.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses fresh chopped parsley and 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.
Can I freeze this sauce?
While possible, the ricotta texture may change slightly upon thawing; it is best served fresh.
What pasta shapes go well with this sauce?
Shapes that hold sauce well, like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni, are excellent choices.
Can I use a blender if I don't have a food processor?
Yes, a high-speed blender will work just as well to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe because it mainly involves blending and tossing with pasta.
Can I add meat to this sauce?
Certainly; grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage would complement the roasted red pepper flavors well.
What is the carbohydrate count for this sauce?
There are 15.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Should I add the herbs to the food processor?
No, the parsley and oregano should be folded in after the sauce has been blended to preserve their texture.
Does this sauce contain any added sugar?
The recipe does not list any added sugar, though the peppers have natural sweetness.
What is the serving size?
The exact serving size in weight isn't specified, but the recipe is designed to be divided into 4 equal portions.
How long does it take to prepare the sauce?
The preparation takes only a few minutes since it only requires blending and minimal chopping.