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Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce (Printable Version)

Creamy pasta with roasted red peppers and ajvar, featuring smoky paprika flavors ready in just 20 minutes.

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz penne pasta

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 large red bell peppers, diced
03 - 1 medium onion, diced

→ Sauce Base

04 - 3 tablespoons ajvar (paprika spread)
05 - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
06 - 1 cup heavy cream

→ Seasonings

07 - 1 teaspoon paprika powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - Salt and black pepper to taste
10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

# Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking process and set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced red peppers and onions. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
03 - Stir in ajvar and mix until evenly combined. Add 1 cup of reserved pasta water and let mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
04 - Pour in heavy cream and stir well. In a small bowl, whisk flour with 1/4 cup water to make a slurry. Gradually add slurry to sauce, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Allow sauce to thicken slightly.
05 - Add paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir and let sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to enhance flavors.
06 - Add cooked pasta to sauce and toss gently until fully coated. Simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
07 - Plate the creamy red pepper pasta and serve immediately. Pair with fresh side salad or garlic bread for the ultimate meal.

# Notes:

01 - Reserve extra pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed
02 - Fully soften peppers and onions to enhance their sweetness and flavor
03 - Whisk flour slurry thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure smooth texture
04 - Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheat gently with splash of cream