Pepper sauce for pasta

A pepper sauce for pasta is a delicious and versatile option that adds a burst of flavor to your dish. This sauce is creamy, tangy, and packed with the rich taste of roasted or sautéed peppers. Here’s a simple recipe for making a savory pepper sauce that pairs beautifully with pasta:

Creamy Pepper Sauce for Pasta

Ingredients:

• 2 large bell peppers (any color), roasted, peeled, and chopped (or use jarred roasted red peppers)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream (or use half-and-half or milk for a lighter version)
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Peppers:

   • Roasting Peppers: If using fresh peppers, roast them. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the peppers on a baking sheet and roast for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is charred and blistered. Let them cool, then peel off the skin, remove the seeds, and chop the flesh.
   • Jarred Peppers: If using jarred roasted red peppers, simply drain and chop them.

2. Cook Aromatics:

   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Make Sauce Base:

   • Add the chopped roasted peppers to the skillet and cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
   • Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

4. Blend Sauce:

   • Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. (Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender directly in the skillet.)

5. Simmer Sauce:

   • Return the blended pepper mixture to the skillet. Add the heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
   • Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.

6. Finish Sauce:

   • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
   • Adjust seasoning to taste.

7. Serve:

   • Toss the sauce with your cooked pasta of choice, or serve the sauce on top of the pasta.
   • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Tips and Variations:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a spicy version.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with other herbs like thyme or rosemary for different flavor profiles.
• Vegetable Additions: You can add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
• Cream Alternative: For a lighter sauce, use Greek yogurt or a splash of milk in place of heavy cream.

This pepper sauce is versatile and can be customized based on your preferences and the ingredients you have on hand. Enjoy it with your favorite pasta!