Decadent Creamy Red Pepper Pasta w Burrata Herbs Recipe
There’s something irresistibly cozy about creamy pasta dishes, especially when the air turns crisp and leaves start to carpet the ground. I remember the first time I stumbled upon a creamy red pepper sauce in a quaint little restaurant during a trip to Tuscany. The moment I took a bite, I was transported—each mouthful was a burst of flavor, with a comforting richness that begged to be savored. Fast forward to today, and I’ve brought that delight into my own kitchen with my version of Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Burrata & Herbs. This dish captures the essence of late summer when bell peppers are bursting with flavor but with a warm twist that’s perfect for those chilly evenings. Join me as we create something truly special!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Weeknight Dinner: With minimal prep and cook time, you can whip this up in under 30 minutes!
- Budget-Friendly: Using pantry staples and seasonal veggies, this dish is light on your wallet.
- Comforting Flavors: The creamy sauce, combined with the fresh burst of herbs, offers a cozy hug in a bowl.
- Beautiful Presentation: Topped with fresh burrata and herbs, it’s perfect for impressing guests.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this creamy dream to life:
- 12 ounces of your favorite pasta (fettuccine or penne work great!)
- 2 large red bell peppers, roasted and peeled (you can also use jarred roasted peppers)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds a punch!)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 ounces fresh burrata cheese, torn into pieces
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a dish that will have you swooning:
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water and then drain. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Prepare the Red Pepper Sauce: In a blender, combine the roasted red peppers and garlic. Blend until smooth. You want a velvety consistency that looks like sunset in a jar.
- Sauté and Simmer: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Pour in the blended red pepper mixture and allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes. The aroma will start filling your kitchen, and trust me, it smells amazing!
- Add the Cream: Stir in the heavy cream, and let it bubble and thicken for another 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust according to your preference; this is your sauce, after all!
- Toss in the Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If it feels too thick, gradually add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. You want it creamy but not gloppy, so keep an eye on that!
- Finish with Burrata and Herbs: Carefully fold in the fresh torn burrata and herbs, allowing the cheese to soften and meld into the dish. It should be creamy and luxurious; you might just want to dive right in!
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the pasta into bowls, topped with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy. Maybe drizzle a bit of olive oil, and garnish with a few extra herbs for that beautiful touch.
Pro Tips & Variations
Let’s talk about making this even more fun and tailored to your taste:
- Spice it Up: Love heat? Toss in some sautéed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper with your garlic. It adds that zesty kick perfectly!
- Substitute the Cream: For a lighter option, you can swap heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy milk like cashew or oat milk. Just make sure to adjust seasonings accordingly.
- Veggie Boost: Add spinach, kale, or even cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition and color. Sauté them right before adding the sauce, and they’ll wilt beautifully!
- Protein Up: Want to make it a bit heartier? Grilled chicken, shrimp, or a sprinkle of crispy pancetta on top would complement the creamy sauce wonderfully!
Serving Suggestions
Now, let’s set the table! I adore serving this creamy red pepper pasta with a side of crusty garlic bread, perfect for scooping up that dreamy sauce. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creaminess. And don’t forget a glass of your favorite white wine or perhaps a cozy cup of tea to complete the experience. It truly feels like a little slice of heaven!
Storage Tips
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to store them:
- Refrigeration: Keep the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen, making it even tastier!
- Freezing: While I usually don’t recommend freezing cream-based sauces, you can freeze the red pepper sauce before adding cream and pasta. Just thaw and mix in the cream and pasta upon reheating.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in a pan over medium heat. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of water or milk to bring back that creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta shapes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta shape you love—penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free options. Just adjust the cooking time as needed!
What if I can’t find burrata?
No worries! You can substitute with fresh mozzarella or even ricotta for that creamy texture. It’ll still taste delicious!
How do I roast bell peppers at home?
Roasting is easy! Simply place whole bell peppers on a baking sheet in a 450°F oven. Turn them every 10 minutes until the skins are charred and blistered. Let them sit in a bowl covered with plastic wrap for a few minutes to steam; this will help the skins peel off easily.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, use a non-dairy cream and replace the burrata with a super creamy cashew cheese or a dairy-free cheese of your choice. You won’t miss a thing!
Is it possible to make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just cook the pasta fresh right before serving to keep it al dente and perfect!
Conclusion
And there you have it, my cozy rendition of Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Burrata & Herbs! Every bite is a hug for your taste buds, and I can’t wait for you to give it a try. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out for you —share your delicious photos, tips, or variations! After all, good food is meant to be shared, and I love hearing your stories. Happy cooking, my friend!
Decadent Creamy Red Pepper Pasta w Burrata Herbs Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in this creamy red pepper pasta topped with burrata and fresh herbs A delectable dish perfect for a weeknight dinner 155 chars
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A delicious and cozy creamy pasta dish featuring roasted red peppers and fresh burrata cheese, perfect for chilly evenings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 650 calories
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Fat: 40 grams
- Carbohydrates: 60 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 18 grams
Keywords: Creamy Red Pepper Pasta, Burrata Pasta, Easy Pasta Recipe, Italian Pasta Dish