If you are craving a pasta dish that captures comfort and vibrant flavor in every bite, this Creamy Tomato and Pepper Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together the sweetness of bell peppers, the rich tang of tomato puree, and the indulgent silkiness of cream in a harmonious sauce that clings perfectly to your favorite pasta. Whether you want a quick dinner or a dish that feels special, this recipe balances freshness, creaminess, and a touch of herbaceous brightness that makes it an instant favorite with friends and family alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each plays a crucial role in delivering the vibrant taste, silky texture, and colorful appeal of this pasta dish. From the aromatic garlic to the fresh basil, every element makes a delicious difference.
- 8 ounces Pasta (penne or fettuccine): Choose your favorite type of pasta to soak up the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil: Using extra virgin olive oil brings a fruity, rich base for sautéing the aromatics.
- 3 cloves Garlic: Minced finely, garlic infuses the dish with warmth and depth.
- 1 cup Bell peppers (red and yellow): Sliced, these add sweetness and vibrant color to the sauce.
- 1 cup Tomato puree: This creates the tangy, luscious foundation of the sauce.
- 1 cup Heavy cream: Heavy cream transforms the sauce, making it dreamy and smooth.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan adds savory saltiness and a nutty finish.
- Salt: To season and bring all the flavors together perfectly.
- Pepper: Freshly ground for a subtle spicy kick.
- 1/4 cup Fresh basil: Coarsely chopped, this herb brightens the whole dish as a fresh garnish.
How to Make Creamy Tomato and Pepper Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a lively boil. Add your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. This will provide the ideal bite and hold for the creamy, flavorful sauce you’re about to make.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
While the pasta cooks, warm your olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until it releases its incredible fragrance, about 30 seconds; this will build the aromatic base that elevates the entire dish.
Step 3: Cook the Bell Peppers
Next, toss in the sliced red and yellow bell peppers. Let them sauté gently for 5 to 7 minutes until they soften and their natural sweetness flourishes, adding both flavor complexity and eye-catching color.
Step 4: Add Tomato Puree
Pour the tomato puree into the skillet and allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes. This simmering intensifies the tomato flavor and helps reduce any raw taste, creating a rich, balanced sauce foundation.
Step 5: Stir in the Heavy Cream
Now reduce the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream. As it combines with the tomato base, it transforms into a luxuriously thick and creamy sauce that clings to each piece of pasta for maximum indulgence.
Step 6: Add Parmesan and Season
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt fully into the sauce. Then, season everything with salt and freshly ground pepper to enhance all the layers of flavor and give the dish a perfect savory balance.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain the pasta, but save about a cup of the pasta water. Toss your pasta into the skillet with the sauce, mixing well to coat every strand or piece. If the sauce feels too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the texture just right.
Step 8: Finish with Fresh Basil
Finally, fold in the freshly chopped basil. This last touch injects a burst of herbaceous freshness that brightens the creamy sauce beautifully. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato and Pepper Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves on top bring elegance and an extra pop of flavor. You can also drizzle a little olive oil for shine and richness or add cracked black pepper for a bit more bite.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with simple green salads dressed in lemon vinaigrette or crispy garlic bread that soaks up every last bit of the creamy tomato and pepper sauce. Roasted vegetables on the side also complement this dish with additional texture and nourishment.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun gathering, serve this pasta in small bowls topped with a fresh herb sprig and a Parmesan crisp. Alternatively, individual ramekins baked briefly with extra cheese on top can create a cozy, gratin-style presentation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Tomato and Pepper Pasta Recipe stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen but be sure to stir gently before reheating to bring back that creamy texture.
Freezing
Although best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to one month. Freeze in a shallow container and thaw overnight in the fridge. Note that the cream sauce may separate slightly on freezing but will come back together with gentle reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to help loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the creamy sauce from curdling and losing its luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Penne and fettuccine work wonderfully, but you can swap in rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti depending on your preference. The key is choosing a pasta that holds sauce well.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and use a vegan Parmesan substitute to keep the creamy texture and rich flavor dairy-free.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mild and focused on sweet pepper flavors and creamy tomato richness. You can add red pepper flakes or a pinch of chili powder if you want to bring in some heat.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
You can make the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce and toss with freshly cooked pasta for the best texture.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
Dried basil can be used in a pinch, but fresh basil adds a bright, fresh flavor that really elevates the dish. If you must, add dried basil during cooking rather than as a garnish for the best effect.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tomato and Pepper Pasta Recipe is a true gem—simple ingredients come together to create something rich, colorful, and utterly comforting. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding loved ones, this dish guarantees smiles and satisfied appetites. I hope you give it a try soon and make it one of your go-to pasta meals for any occasion.
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Creamy Tomato and Pepper Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A delicious and creamy tomato and pepper pasta dish featuring sautéed bell peppers, fragrant garlic, and a rich tomato cream sauce, finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces Penne or fettuccine pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Bell peppers (red and yellow), sliced
- 1 cup Tomato puree
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 1/4 cup Fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook Bell Peppers: Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until they are softened and slightly tender.
- Simmer Tomato Puree: Pour in the tomato puree and let it simmer for 5 minutes to develop the flavors and reduce slightly.
- Make Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Mix until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Add Cheese & Season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, then season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Stir in chopped fresh basil. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and basil if desired.
Notes
- Use penne or fettuccine for the best texture, but feel free to substitute your favorite pasta.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
- Fresh basil adds a bright fresh flavor; dried basil can be used in a pinch but use less.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Parmesan cheese enhances the sauce, but you can adjust the quantity to taste or use a vegetarian hard cheese.
