Looking for a pasta recipe with a rich flavor and a delicate, creamy sauce? This pasta with sun-dried sweet peppers, cream, and Parmesan is a fantastic choice for a quick lunch or a delicious dinner. The sun-dried peppers provide an intense, sweet flavor, the cream gives the sauce a velvety texture, and the Parmesan adds a distinct Italian touch. A bit of garlic and some crunchy walnuts round out the dish, making it something truly special.
🛒 Ingredients (for 2 servings)
200 g pasta of your choice – penne, fusilli, or rigatoni
35–45 g sun-dried sweet red peppers
150 ml heavy cream (cooking cream)
40–50 g grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves of garlic
15 g butter
1 tbsp olive oil
2–4 tbsp pasta cooking water
Salt and black pepper to taste
15 g walnuts (optional)
Fresh basil for serving
Instructions
1. Prepare the sun-dried peppers
Pour hot water over the sun-dried sweet peppers and let them soak for 20–30 minutes until softened. Drain them, remove the stems and any seeds, and set aside some of the soaking water to use for thinning the sauce.
2. Make a sun-dried pepper cream
Place the softened peppers into a blender and add 1–2 tablespoons of the water they were soaked in. Blend until you achieve a smooth cream. For an especially smooth texture, you can strain the mixture.
3. Cook the pasta
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve some of the cooking water; it will help the sauce become smooth and coat the pasta well.
4. Prepare the creamy sauce
Heat the olive oil and butter in a wide pan. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, being careful not to let it brown.
Add the sun-dried pepper cream and cook for 2–3 minutes over medium heat. Pour in the cream, stir, and let the sauce simmer gently for another 3–4 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Add the pasta and Parmesan
Transfer the cooked pasta to the pan with the sauce. Add a little of the reserved cooking water and stir for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thoroughly coats the pasta.
Remove the pan from the heat and add the grated Parmesan. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
6. Serve
Divide the pasta among plates and sprinkle with a little more Parmesan, crushed toasted walnuts, and fresh basil. Serve immediately, while the sauce is warm and creamy. Tips for Perfect Pasta with Dried Peppers
Use high-quality Parmesan that melts well and adds a rich, deep flavor.
Do not let the cream sauce boil vigorously after adding the cheese.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more of the pasta cooking water.
Toasted walnuts add a pleasant crunch and complement the sweet flavor of the peppers.
For a fresher taste, add a few drops of lemon juice just before serving.
Which pasta works best?
Penne, rigatoni, and fusilli are excellent choices because they hold the creamy sauce well on their surface. If you prefer long pasta, you can use tagliatelle or fettuccine.
Conclusion
Pasta with dried sweet peppers, cream, and Parmesan is an easy recipe that combines a rich aroma, a delicate texture, and a full-bodied flavor. It is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion when you want to prepare something a bit different using accessible ingredients.
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