If you’re craving a pasta dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and luxurious texture, you’re in for a treat with this delicious Creamy Romesco Pasta Recipe. This recipe brilliantly marries the smoky, slightly sweet tones of roasted red peppers with the rich creaminess of a silky sauce, all tossed with your favorite pasta to create a comforting yet sophisticated meal. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend indulgence, this dish will quickly become a steadfast favorite in your culinary rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredient list straightforward is key for this recipe—it focuses on simple, flavorful staples that combine beautifully to create a sauce that is both creamy and complex. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the smoky roasted peppers to the crunchy toasted nuts and the fresh acidity from the vinegar.
- Roasted red peppers: Freshly roasted or high-quality jarred peppers add a smoky sweetness that’s the heart of the sauce.
- Toasted almonds or hazelnuts: These nuts provide a delightful nuttiness and texture that elevates the sauce’s depth.
- Garlic cloves: Roasted garlic offers mellow richness, but raw garlic sharpens the sauce’s flavor—choose based on your preference.
- Spanish smoked paprika: This spice deepens the smoky character and adds a subtle warmth.
- Ripe tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add natural acidity and brightness to balance the sauce.
- Olive oil: A good-quality olive oil rounds out the sauce with fruitiness and smooth texture.
- Red wine or sherry vinegar: A splash of vinegar cuts through the richness, lifting the flavors beautifully.
- Cream or cashew cream: This ingredient creates the signature creaminess without overpowering the sauce’s essence.
- Pasta: Choose linguine, penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape that will hold onto the sauce perfectly.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the components into harmonious balance.
How to Make Creamy Romesco Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Peppers and Prepare the Sauce Base
Start by roasting the red peppers over an open flame or under a broiler until the skins are charred all over, which imparts that signature smoky flavor. Once cooled, peel and deseed them to ensure a smooth texture. Then, toss the peppers into a blender along with toasted nuts, garlic, ripe tomatoes, smoked paprika, vinegar, and olive oil. Blend until you achieve a luscious, smooth sauce that’s alive with smoky, sweet, and tangy notes.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce is resting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook it until just al dente following the package instructions. This ensures a tender bite with just the right amount of firmness. Before draining, save about a cup of the pasta cooking water; this will come in handy for adjusting the sauce’s consistency perfectly.
Step 3: Combine Sauce and Pasta with Cream
Place a sauté pan over low heat and gently warm the Romesco sauce. Stir in your chosen cream to introduce a silky, indulgent texture that contrasts beautifully with the bright, smoky base. Next, add your cooked pasta and toss it well, making sure every strand is coated in that dreamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually stir in some reserved pasta water until the sauce becomes irresistibly smooth and velvety.
Step 4: Final Seasoning and Serve
Give the pasta a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed—salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar can all amplify the flavors in delightful ways. Serve the pasta piping hot, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, or chives. For an extra touch of texture and aroma, sprinkle some toasted nuts or freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
How to Serve Creamy Romesco Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives add vibrant green pops of color and an aromatic freshness that brightens the creamy sauce. Toasted nuts scattered on top bring delightful crunch and a nutty aroma, while a generous shaving of Parmesan cheese provides a salty, savory finish that perfectly complements the dish.
Side Dishes
This pasta shines beautifully alongside a crisp, simple salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sauce. A side of garlic bread or crusty artisan bread is also fantastic for soaking up any leftover Romesco sauce, ensuring no spoonful goes to waste. Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables add a wholesome touch while keeping the focus on the star of the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, twirl the pasta into neat nests on each plate. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top for an added pop of color and flavor. You can also serve this pasta in warm shallow bowls topped with edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant dinner party vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Romesco Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as delightful. Keep the sauce and pasta together for convenience.
Freezing
While fresh is always best, you can freeze the Romesco sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. Avoid freezing the pasta itself, as it tends to get mushy when reheated. When ready to enjoy, thaw the sauce in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
Reheating
Warm your leftover Creamy Romesco Pasta gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure the sauce stays creamy and luscious. This method keeps the pasta perfectly coated and delicious every time.
FAQs
Can I use jarred roasted peppers instead of fresh?
Absolutely! High-quality jarred roasted red peppers are a convenient and delicious alternative when fresh roasting isn’t an option. Just make sure to drain them well to avoid excess liquid in your sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this Creamy Romesco Pasta Recipe vegan by using cashew cream or another plant-based cream substitute instead of dairy cream. Also, skip the Parmesan or substitute with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.
What type of pasta works best with the Romesco sauce?
Pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or linguine work beautifully because they hold onto the creamy sauce well, but feel free to use whichever pasta you love most. The key is to have a shape that catches the sauce and delivers maximum flavor in every bite.
Can I prepare the Romesco sauce in advance?
Definitely! You can make the Romesco sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it. This resting time actually enhances the flavors. Just stir in cream and toss with pasta when you’re ready to serve.
How can I add a little heat to the Creamy Romesco Pasta Recipe?
If you love a spicy kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the Romesco sauce or toss some sliced fresh chili into the pasta when mixing. This will add warmth without overpowering the dish’s balanced flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Romesco Pasta Recipe is such a joy to make and share. It’s a beautiful blend of smoky, creamy, and vibrant elements that come together to create an unforgettable dish. I promise once you try it, this recipe will become a must-have in your weeknight meal lineup, delighting your palate and impressing anyone lucky enough to join your dinner table.
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Creamy Romesco Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Romesco Pasta recipe combines the smoky, nutty flavors of traditional Catalan Romesco sauce with a luscious creamy twist. Roasted red peppers, toasted nuts, garlic, and smoked paprika form the base, blended into a smooth sauce that coats perfectly cooked pasta, enhanced with a splash of cream or cashew cream. This quick and flavorful dish is ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner with a Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients
Romesco Sauce
- 2–3 large roasted red peppers (freshly roasted or good-quality jarred)
- 1/3 cup toasted almonds or hazelnuts
- 2 garlic cloves (roasted or raw)
- 1 tsp Spanish smoked paprika
- 2 medium ripe tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar or sherry vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup cream or cashew cream
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine, penne, rigatoni, or preferred pasta
Instructions
- Roast the Peppers and Prepare the Sauce Base: Roast fresh red peppers over an open flame or under the broiler until charred on all sides, then peel and deseed them. Place the peppers in a blender along with toasted almonds or hazelnuts, garlic cloves, ripe tomatoes, smoked paprika, vinegar, and olive oil. Blend everything until smooth and creamy to create the Romesco sauce base.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your preferred pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve one cup of the pasta water to help adjust the sauce consistency later.
- Combine Sauce and Pasta with Cream: Heat the Romesco sauce gently in a sauté pan over low heat. Stir in the cream or cashew cream for richness and a silky texture. Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss to coat thoroughly. Use the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to a velvety consistency.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra vinegar to brighten the flavors. Serve immediately while warm. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs such as parsley, basil, or chives, and optionally sprinkle toasted nuts or Parmesan cheese for added texture and aroma.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use cashew cream or another plant-based cream substitute instead of dairy cream.
- You can roast the peppers ahead of time and store them in the fridge to save meal prep time.
- Choosing smoked paprika adds a deep smoky flavor essential to authentic Romesco sauce.
- Reserve pasta water before draining; it helps to achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
- Garnishing with freshly chopped herbs and extra toasted nuts adds freshness and crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
