Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Blistered Tomatoes

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This Creamy Red Pepper Pasta is the perfect blend of flavor and texture. The smooth and rich cashew-based red pepper sauce clings beautifully to every bite of rigatoni, while the roasted cherry tomatoes add a burst of juiciness and sweetness that takes the dish to another level. A sprinkle of fresh chives and basil adds a touch of freshness, making it an irresistible and vibrant plate of pasta.

Not only is this pasta dish entirely vegan, but it’s also easy to whip up in just 30 minutes, making it a great option for weeknight dinners or when you need something comforting but healthy. The recipe is simple yet full of depth, with the roasted red pepper bringing a natural creaminess without any dairy, making it satisfying for any eater – vegan or not.

Full Recipe:

1 lb. rigatoni (DeLallo brand recommended)
2–3 cups cherry tomatoes
A quick swish of olive oil (DeLallo brand recommended)
Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce

1 1/4 cups cashews
1/4 cup olive oil
1 1/2 cups water
1 large roasted red pepper (DeLallo brand – or about 1/2 cup if using sliced red peppers)
1 clove garlic
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Fresh chives and basil for topping

Directions:

Pasta: Cook the rigatoni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Tomatoes: Preheat the broiler. On a baking sheet, toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Broil for 10-15 minutes or until very roasty and blistered.
Sauce: While the tomatoes are roasting, blend the sauce ingredients (cashews, olive oil, water, roasted red pepper, garlic, nutritional yeast, and salt) in a blender until very smooth and creamy.
Combine: Pour the sauce over the hot cooked pasta (off heat) and stir until the sauce clings well to the pasta.
Serve: Plate the pasta and top with blistered tomatoes, fresh chives, basil, and additional salt and pepper if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4 | Cuisine: Italian

Recipe Highlights and Benefits

Creamy and Dairy-Free: The sauce is made with cashews, which provide a creamy texture without using dairy. It’s a great alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer plant-based dishes.
Nutritional Boost: Cashews are not only creamy but also packed with healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals. Paired with roasted red peppers, this sauce is both flavorful and nutritious.
Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking, this pasta dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a quick comfort meal.
Customizable Flavors: The sauce has a base of roasted red peppers, which gives it a rich, slightly sweet flavor. Nutritional yeast is optional but recommended to add a cheesy, umami depth. Feel free to tweak the herbs and seasoning to suit your taste.

Cooking Tips and Variations

Blending the Sauce: To achieve a silky smooth sauce, use a high-speed blender. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little more water until you reach the desired consistency.
Roasting the Tomatoes: For the best flavor, make sure your cherry tomatoes are roasted until they start to blister and burst. This caramelizes their natural sugars and enhances their sweetness.
Pasta Types: While rigatoni is suggested in the recipe, feel free to use any pasta shape you have on hand. Penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti would work well with the creamy sauce.
Extra Protein Options: If you’re looking to add some protein to the dish, consider tossing in chickpeas, white beans, or sautéed tofu. For non-vegans, grilled chicken or shrimp could also complement the flavors well.
Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply heat the sauce and toss with freshly cooked pasta and the blistered tomatoes.

Serving Suggestions

Garnishes: Fresh herbs like basil and chives add a pop of color and freshness. You could also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or top with vegan parmesan for an extra cheesy touch.
Side Pairings: Pair this pasta with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to make a complete meal.
Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé complements the rich flavors of the red pepper sauce and balances the dish nicely.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It brings a balance of creamy and savory flavors with a hint of sweetness from the roasted red peppers and tomatoes.
The recipe is completely plant-based yet feels indulgent, making it a great option for both vegans and non-vegans who want a healthier twist on a creamy pasta dish.
Perfect for impressing guests with its vibrant colors, delicious flavors, and the ease of preparation.

Ingredient Substitutions

Nutritional Yeast: If you don’t have nutritional yeast or are not concerned about keeping the recipe vegan, you can substitute it with grated parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
Cashews: If you have a nut allergy, you can try substituting the cashews with sunflower seeds or silken tofu for a creamy consistency.
Roasted Red Peppers: For a different flavor profile, try using sun-dried tomatoes instead of roasted red peppers in the sauce. This will give the pasta a more intense, tangy flavor.

Storage and Leftovers

Storing: Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: The sauce may thicken as it sits, so when reheating, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen it up and bring it back to its creamy consistency.

Health and Dietary Information

Vegan and Dairy-Free: This recipe uses plant-based ingredients, making it suitable for those following a vegan or dairy-free diet.
Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free.
High in Healthy Fats and Fiber: The cashews contribute healthy fats and the pasta and tomatoes offer fiber, making this a satisfying and balanced meal.

The Role of Key Ingredients

Roasted Red Peppers: Roasted red peppers are the star of the sauce. Their naturally sweet and slightly smoky flavor is what makes the sauce so special. You can either use store-bought jarred peppers or roast your own for an extra fresh taste. Simply char whole red bell peppers over an open flame until the skin is blackened, peel off the charred bits, and you’ll have homemade roasted red peppers.
Cashews for Creaminess: Soaked cashews are a fantastic plant-based alternative to heavy cream or cheese-based sauces. When blended, they create a silky and creamy texture that perfectly mimics traditional cream sauces but without the dairy.
Nutritional Yeast: While optional, nutritional yeast is highly recommended as it imparts a cheesy, umami flavor without any dairy. It’s a popular ingredient in vegan cooking, known for its savory taste and nutritional benefits, including B vitamins and protein.

Enhancing the Flavor

Herb Variations: While chives and basil are the recommended herbs for garnish, you can experiment with others based on what’s available. Fresh parsley, oregano, or even thyme can bring a unique twist to the flavor profile.
Adding Heat: If you like a bit of spice in your pasta, you can add red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle them on top when serving. A drizzle of chili oil before serving can also add a lovely kick.

Make It More Hearty

Vegetable Additions: If you want to add more veggies to the dish, consider sautéing some sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Adding vegetables not only boosts the nutrition but also adds color and texture to the pasta.
Protein Boost: Beyond chickpeas and tofu, other plant-based protein options include lentils or tempeh. These can be cooked separately and then added to the pasta right before serving.

Customization and Personalization

Creamy Pesto Variation: To add a unique twist, blend a tablespoon of pesto into the sauce. The fresh herbs and nuts in the pesto pair beautifully with the roasted red pepper base and give the pasta a vibrant flavor.
Sun-Dried Tomato and Olive Addition: For a Mediterranean flair, chop some sun-dried tomatoes and olives to toss into the pasta. This will give the dish an extra tangy and savory kick.

Nutritional Profile and Benefits

Good Source of Healthy Fats: The cashew-based sauce is a great source of monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. Olive oil also contributes to the healthy fat content.
Vitamins and Antioxidants: Roasted red peppers are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants like carotenoids, which can help support immune function and overall health. The cherry tomatoes, particularly when roasted, become a concentrated source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.
Balanced Meal Option: When paired with whole-grain pasta, this dish offers a good balance of complex carbohydrates, protein from cashews and pasta, and healthy fats, making it a satisfying meal that will keep you full.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Pasta

Salt Your Pasta Water Generously: To ensure your pasta is flavorful, add a good amount of salt to the boiling water before adding the rigatoni. A rule of thumb is to use 1 tablespoon of salt per 4 cups of water.
Al Dente is Key: For the best texture, cook the pasta al dente (firm to the bite). Since the sauce is creamy, an al dente pasta will hold up well and provide a nice contrast to the sauce’s smooth texture.
Reserve Pasta Water: When draining the pasta, save a cup of the starchy pasta water. You can add a splash of this water to the sauce when combining it with the pasta to help it adhere better and create a silky finish.

How to Store and Use Leftovers

Reheating the Pasta: When reheating, you can use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water, vegetable broth, or even unsweetened almond milk to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy.
Using Leftover Sauce: The creamy red pepper sauce can be repurposed in other dishes. It works great as a spread on sandwiches or wraps, a dip for roasted veggies, or as a sauce for grain bowls.

Fun Serving Ideas

Stuffed Pasta Shells: If you’re looking for a fun twist, you can use the sauce to fill large pasta shells or layer it into a vegan lasagna for a creamy, red pepper-infused Italian dish.
Pasta Bake: Turn this recipe into a baked pasta dish by mixing cooked pasta and sauce in a baking dish, topping it with breadcrumbs (or a mix of breadcrumbs and nutritional yeast), and baking until crispy and golden on top. A great way to enjoy leftovers in a new way!

The Inspiration and Origins

Versatile Comfort Food: This recipe is inspired by the classic Italian comfort food with a modern vegan twist. Roasted red peppers have been a staple in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine for centuries, providing a robust flavor that complements pasta beautifully.
Vegan Adaptation of Classic Creamy Pasta: The idea behind this dish is to deliver a comforting, rich pasta experience without the need for dairy or animal products. It’s a testament to how easy and delicious plant-based cooking can be when using quality ingredients.

Conclusion

The Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Blistered Tomatoes is a quick, delicious, and versatile vegan dish perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. Its creamy cashew-based sauce, roasted red pepper flavor, and burst of blistered cherry tomatoes create a satisfying and healthy meal that’s easy to customize. Whether you’re looking for comfort food or a nourishing plant-based option, this pasta will leave you craving more. Enjoy its vibrant flavors, easy preparation, and wholesome ingredients in every bite!