If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with smoky, creamy, and nutty flavors, you’ve got to try this Creamy Romesco Pasta Recipe. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy rich, velvety pasta coated in a vibrant sauce made from roasted red peppers, almonds, garlic, and a hint of smoky paprika. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight meal or impressing friends at a dinner party, this recipe blends straightforward ingredients into something truly special and unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is surprisingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the bold flavor and beautiful texture of this creamy pasta. From smoky roasted peppers to crunchy nuts, every component layers the dish with vibrant color and irresistible depth.
- Roasted red peppers (2-3 large): These bring a smoky sweetness that forms the heart of the sauce, whether freshly charred or jarred for convenience.
- Toasted almonds or hazelnuts (1/3 cup): Essential for texture and a rich, nutty undertone that makes the sauce uniquely satisfying.
- Garlic cloves (2): Roasted or raw adds vibrant aromatic depth and mild pungency.
- Spanish smoked paprika (1 tsp): This spices up the sauce with smoky warmth and a subtle earthiness.
- Ripe tomatoes (2 medium): Fresh tomatoes brighten the flavor and contribute natural sweetness that balances the smokiness.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Adds luscious body and helps carry the flavors beautifully.
- Red wine or sherry vinegar (1 tbsp): Provides an acidic kick that lifts all the elements in perfect harmony.
- Salt and pepper: For seasoning and bringing out every bit of flavor in the sauce and pasta.
- Cream or cashew cream (1/2 cup): The key ingredient that transforms the Romesco into a luxuriously creamy pasta sauce.
- Pasta (8 oz): Linguine, penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape to soak up all that saucy goodness.
How to Make Creamy Romesco Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Peppers and Prepare the Sauce Base
Begin by roasting your peppers until their skins are perfectly charred, whether over an open flame or under your broiler. This charring is what delivers that deep smoky note so characteristic of Romesco. After peeling and removing seeds, blend them with toasted nuts, garlic, fresh tomatoes, smoked paprika, vinegar, and olive oil until silky smooth. This sauce base is packed with balanced smoky, nutty, and sweet layers that will coat your pasta beautifully.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While your sauce simmers, boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta just until al dente. Reserving a cup of pasta water before draining is a crucial step—it’s the secret to loosening the sauce if it needs a little extra silkiness or to help it cling perfectly to every pasta strand.
Step 3: Combine Sauce and Pasta with Cream
On low heat, gently warm your Romesco sauce before folding in the cream or cashew cream for that wonderfully luscious texture everyone loves. Toss your cooked pasta into the sauce and stir to coat thoroughly, adjusting consistency with reserved pasta water as needed to create that ideal velvety finish.
Step 4: Final Seasoning and Serve
Give everything a careful taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or perhaps a splash more vinegar to brighten the flavors. Serve it hot and fresh, getting ready to enjoy every bite of this comforting yet elegant dish.
How to Serve Creamy Romesco Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate your Creamy Romesco Pasta Recipe, consider sprinkling freshly chopped parsley, basil, or chives on top. Toasted nuts add delightful crunch, and if you’re not keeping it vegan, a bit of grated Parmesan cheese adds an irresistible aroma and extra richness.
Side Dishes
This pasta stands out beautifully alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted seasonal vegetables. A crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, turning your meal into a complete and satisfying feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this pasta family-style in a large, shallow bowl, garnished generously with herbs and nuts for a rustic look that invites everyone to dig in. Alternatively, plate it elegantly with a drizzle of extra olive oil and a scatter of edible flowers for a dinner party flair that will definitely impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with some leftover Creamy Romesco Pasta Recipe, no worries—it keeps really well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making it a fantastic next-day lunch.
Freezing
Freezing this pasta is possible, though the cream and fresh herbs may change texture slightly upon thawing. Use a freezer-safe container and consume within two months for the best taste. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat the pasta gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to restore the creamy consistency if needed. Stir often to ensure even warming without separating the sauce, so you still enjoy that silky, luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I use jarred roasted red peppers instead of roasting my own?
Absolutely! High-quality jarred roasted peppers are a convenient shortcut and still provide great smoky flavor, just be sure to drain them well before blending to avoid a watery sauce.
Is there a vegan version of this Creamy Romesco Pasta Recipe?
Yes, swapping regular cream for cashew cream or another plant-based alternative works perfectly and keeps the sauce rich and creamy without dairy.
What type of pasta works best with this sauce?
Shape matters! Pasta like linguine, penne, or rigatoni with ridges or tubes catch the creamy sauce well, but feel free to use your favorite shape depending on what you have on hand.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
You can make the Romesco sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. It will taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. Just add cream and toss with fresh pasta before serving.
How do I adjust the sauce if it’s too thick?
If your sauce feels too thick, simply add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. This keeps the sauce silky and helps it coat the pasta evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Romesco Pasta Recipe is genuinely a gem that deserves a spot in your regular rotation. With its smoky, nutty, and luscious cream flavors, it’s comfort food elevated to something truly special. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how easy it is to turn simple ingredients into a dish that’s vibrant, hearty, and so satisfying.
Print
Creamy Romesco Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Spanish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy Romesco pasta recipe features a smoky and sweet Romesco sauce made from roasted red peppers, toasted nuts, tomatoes, and smoked paprika, blended to silky perfection and combined with cream and pasta for a luscious, comforting dish ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
For the 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
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cream or cashew cream
- 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. After roasting, peel and deseed the peppers, then place them in a blender with toasted almonds or hazelnuts, garlic cloves, ripe tomatoes, smoked paprika, vinegar, and olive oil. Blend everything until smooth and creamy to create the flavorful Romesco sauce with smoky and sweet notes.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your preferred pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining the pasta, reserve one cup of the pasta cooking water to help adjust the sauce consistency later.
- Combine Sauce and Pasta with Cream: In a sauté pan over low heat, gently warm the Romesco sauce. Stir in the cream or cashew cream to add silkiness and richness. Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss thoroughly to coat each strand evenly. If needed, use the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to a velvety, smooth consistency.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra vinegar for brightness. Serve the pasta immediately while warm. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley, basil, or chives. Optionally, sprinkle toasted nuts or Parmesan cheese over the top for added texture and aroma.
Notes
- You can use jarred roasted red peppers to save time if fresh roasting isn’t possible.
- For a vegan version, opt for cashew cream instead of dairy cream and omit Parmesan garnish.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce texture for the perfect creaminess.
- To add a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- This sauce pairs well with a variety of pasta shapes such as linguine, penne, or rigatoni.
