Description
To truly appreciate this comforting dish, one must understand how simple ingredients transform into an indulgent casserole. At its core, this meal consists of hollow or tubular pasta shapes tossed in a luscious, vibrant orange sauce made from pureed sweet peppers, heavy cream, garlic, and aged cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
Serves 6
- 12 oz (340 g) penne or rigatoni
- 2 large roasted red peppers, peeled and chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just al dente, according to the package directions. Drain, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water. - Prepare the pepper sauce:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. - Blend the sauce:
Add the roasted red peppers, heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. - Combine:
Return the cooked pasta to the pot and pour over the roasted red pepper sauce. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated. - Assemble the bake:
Transfer the pasta to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top. - Bake:
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. - Garnish and serve:
Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
Keywords: baked red pepper pasta, roasted red pepper noodle bake, creamy red pepper casserole