If you’ve ever dreamed of a pasta dish that combines luxurious creaminess with the vibrant flavors of fresh herbs and roasted red peppers, look no further than this Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Burrata and Herbs Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet refreshing, where the silky roasted red pepper sauce embraces each strand of perfectly cooked pasta, and the luscious burrata cheese adds a decadent finishing touch. This recipe is as inviting as it is simple, bringing together bold colors, rich textures, and a harmony of tastes that feel like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem straightforward, but each one plays a vital role in creating the magic of this dish. From the sweetness of the roasted red peppers to the creamy tang of burrata and the brightness of fresh herbs, every item adds a layer of flavor and texture that’s hard to resist.
- 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine or rigatoni): Choose a shape that holds sauce beautifully for the best mouthfeel.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and gently softens the aromatics for a smooth base.
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings an aromatic kick that ties the flavors together.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a mild heat that wakes up the palate without overpowering.
- 1 (12 oz) jar roasted red peppers, drained: The star ingredient for color, flavor, and creaminess.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce its signature lush and creamy texture.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty note that amplifies complexity.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and layering flavors.
- 2 balls fresh burrata cheese: Melts decadently atop the pasta to elevate every bite.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped: Infuses herbaceous brightness and a subtle peppery bite.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds fresh, grassy notes and vibrant green color.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Brings a lively citrus twist that lifts the dish beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Burrata and Herbs Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking pasta properly is fundamental for any great dish; this time, aim for al dente texture so the noodles have enough bite to stand up to the creamy sauce. Drain the pasta carefully, reserving about half a cup of the pasta water. This starchy water is a secret weapon to help loosen the sauce later without watering down its flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped yellow onion and let it soften gently for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step unlocks the onion’s natural sweetness. Then, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if you want a little kick, cooking everything just 30 seconds longer until fragrant. Aromatics like these build a flavorful foundation you can taste in every bite.
Step 3: Blend the Sauce
Transfer the softened onion mixture together with the drained roasted red peppers to a blender or food processor. Blend until perfectly smooth and vibrant red. This silky base is what transforms this dish from ordinary pasta to a gourmet experience. Then, return the sauce to your skillet to continue building those complex flavors.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese into the blended sauce. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Let everything simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and develop its creamy, dreamy consistency. This final simmer melds all the ingredients together into a beautifully cohesive sauce.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat every piece with that luxurious sauce. If the sauce feels thick or sticky, gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the texture is smooth and silky, perfectly clinging to the noodles. This flexibility ensures your pasta is never dry or over-sauced.
Step 6: Plate and Add Burrata
Divide the creamy pasta among serving bowls. Top each portion with a generous ball of fresh burrata cheese, letting its creamy interior melt into the warm pasta. This final touch is what makes this Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Burrata and Herbs Recipe so special and irresistible.
How to Serve Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Burrata and Herbs Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes! A sprinkle of fresh chopped basil and parsley adds vibrant green color and a burst of fresh flavor that cuts through the creaminess. Adding lemon zest on top brightens each bite and balances the richness with a zesty tang, transforming the dish into a multi-dimensional flavor experience.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs amazingly well with light, crisp sides. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements the dish’s creamy texture, while a side of roasted seasonal vegetables adds a welcome earthiness and crunch. For bread lovers, some crusty garlic bread will soak up any leftover sauce and round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress at your next dinner party? Serve this pasta in shallow, wide bowls to showcase the beautiful red sauce and melting burrata. You can drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil and a few basil leaves around the edges for an elegant finish. Adding cracked black pepper on top right before serving adds not just flavor but a rustic, inviting look perfect for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it chills, so it’s normal for it to become more concentrated in flavor.
Freezing
While this pasta tastes best fresh, you can freeze the cooked pasta and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Burrata is best added fresh, so only freeze the pasta and sauce components.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. Top with fresh burrata after warming for that melt-in-your-mouth finish just like the first time.
FAQs
Can I use roasted red peppers from fresh instead of jarred?
Absolutely! You can roast fresh red peppers at home by charring them over a flame or under a broiler until the skin blisters, then peeling off the skin. This will impart an even fresher, smokier flavor to your sauce.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the heavy cream for a tangier, lighter version, but add it at the end off the heat to prevent curdling.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To veganize, use dairy-free cream alternatives and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Replace burrata with a creamy vegan cheese or avocado for richness.
What type of pasta works best?
Fettuccine, rigatoni, or any pasta with ridges or a shape that can trap sauce works beautifully, ensuring every bite is soaked in that luscious creamy red pepper sauce.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken or roasted vegetables make perfect additions to turn this into a heartier meal while complementing the flavors wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Burrata and Herbs Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels special yet is surprisingly easy to pull together. The combination of silky red pepper sauce, fresh herbs, and indulgent burrata will quickly make it a staple in your kitchen. I can’t encourage you enough to give it a try—the vibrant colors and luxurious textures will brighten your mealtime and make everyone around the table smile.
Print
Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Burrata and Herbs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy red pepper pasta with burrata and fresh herbs offers a luscious, flavorful dish perfect for a comforting meal. The roasted red pepper sauce is blended to smooth perfection and enriched with heavy cream and Parmesan, beautifully coating tender pasta. Topped with creamy burrata cheese and brightened with basil, parsley, and lemon zest, this Italian-inspired vegetarian main course is both rich and refreshing.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine or rigatoni)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (12 oz) jar roasted red peppers, drained
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- 2 balls fresh burrata cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.
- Sauté Aromatics: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Blend the Sauce: Transfer the sautéed onion mixture along with the drained roasted red peppers to a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth to create a creamy base for the sauce.
- Finish the Sauce: Pour the blended sauce back into the skillet over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it is heated through and slightly thickened.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat all the noodles with the creamy red pepper sauce. Use the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if it feels too thick.
- Serve and Garnish: Divide the pasta among serving bowls. Top each portion with a whole ball of fresh burrata cheese. Garnish with chopped basil, parsley, and lemon zest for a fresh and vibrant finish before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter sauce, substitute Greek yogurt for the heavy cream.
- Add grilled chicken or roasted vegetables to make this dish heartier and more protein-packed.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you have gluten sensitivities or prefer a gluten-free option.
