Pasta with Creamy Grilled Paprika Sauce

Here I’m again with another kids-friendly, hidden veggie creamy pasta recipe! If you’re looking for a pasta dish that’s both creamy and packed with flavor, this roasted paprika pasta is a must-try! The smoky sweetness of roasted red peppers blends perfectly with the creamy sauce, making it a comforting meal. Ready in no time and absolutely delicious!

Pasta with creamy grilled paprika sauce and parmesan ready to serve

Ingredients

For this creamy roasted paprika pasta dish, you will need the following ingredients:

• 350g pasta of your choice

• 2 red bell peppers

• Olive oil

• 1 onion

• 1 clove of garlic

• 200ml cream

• 1 cup starchy pasta water

• Salt and pepper to taste

Roasting the Red Peppers

To achieve that wonderful roasted flavor, start by preparing the red bell peppers. Slice them in half and remove the seeds and white parts.

Drizzle the halves with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven at 200°C (about 400°F) for 30 minutes, or until the peppers are charred and tender.

While the peppers are roasting, you can prepare the pasta, saving a cup of that precious starchy water. This water is crucial for creating a silky sauce later!

Cooking the Pasta

In a pot, bring water to a boil, and add a generous pinch of salt before tossing in your pasta of choice. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

Once cooked, make sure to reserve at least one cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta. This starchy water will help to combine your sauce perfectly with the pasta.

Creating the Creamy Sauce

While your peppers are roasting and the pasta is cooking, grab a separate pan. Heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat and add the chopped onion and minced garlic.

Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, releasing delicious aromas.

Next, add the cream, salt, and pepper to the pan, stirring until everything is well combined. The creaminess will complement the roasted flavors beautifully.

Blending the Ingredients

Once the red peppers are done roasting, add them to the creamy onion-garlic mixture in the pan.

Using a blender or an immersion blender, carefully blend the mixture until smooth and velvety. If it appears too thick, gradually add some of that reserved starchy pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency.

Combining the Pasta and Sauce

Pour the creamy roasted paprika sauce back into the pan over low heat.

Add in the drained pasta, tossing to ensure every strand is coated in that rich, flavorful sauce. If you find the sauce is too thick, simply add a bit more of the starchy pasta water to loosen it up.

Serving Suggestions

To serve your creamy grilled paprika pasta, plate it up and finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Encourage the kids to help sprinkle the cheese on top, making mealtime a fun and interactive experience!

Make sure to follow along for more delicious, kid-friendly recipes like this one. Enjoy every bite, and happy cooking!