If you’re craving a pasta dish that feels both luxurious and comforting, the Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Burrata and Herbs Recipe is an absolute must-try. This Italian-inspired gem combines the smoky sweetness of roasted red peppers with a velvety creamy sauce, perfectly enveloping your favorite pasta. Then the crowning glory is fresh burrata cheese melting on top, accented by bright, fragrant herbs that bring the whole plate to life. It’s an easy-to-make, show-stopping dish that’s bursting with flavor and color, ideal for sharing with friends or savoring on a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, from creating the perfect sauce texture to layering rich, harmonious flavors. The simplicity of the components belies the complexity they achieve together, making your meal both approachable and impressive.
- 12 oz pasta (rigatoni or fettuccine): Choose a sturdy pasta shape that cradles the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the onions and garlic for depth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth that complements the roasted peppers.
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped: Provides a mild sweetness once sautéed.
- 1 (12 oz) jar roasted red peppers, drained: The star ingredient, delivering smoky sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates a luscious, silky sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty complexity and helps thicken the cream sauce.
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a gentle kick if you like a touch of heat.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all flavors.
- 1 ball fresh burrata cheese: The creamy, indulgent topping that melts perfectly into the warm pasta.
- Fresh basil and parsley for garnish: Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes and a pop of green.
How to Make Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Burrata and Herbs Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking your pasta until al dente is key here — that perfect balance of tender but still with a slight bite. It will provide the ideal texture to hold the creamy red pepper sauce. Don’t forget to save about half a cup of the pasta water before draining; this liquid gold is ideal for adjusting your sauce consistency later.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering. Add your chopped yellow onion and gently cook for 4 to 5 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. This step brings out the natural sweetness of the onion, which complements the smoky roasted peppers wonderfully. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute — you want the garlic fragrant, not burnt.
Step 3: Incorporate the Roasted Red Peppers
Add the drained roasted red peppers to the skillet and sauté for a couple of minutes. This slight warming helps release their vibrant flavor without losing that fresh roasted taste. Then transfer everything to a blender, or use an immersion blender directly in the pan, and puree until smooth. It’s this puree that forms the luscious foundation of your creamy sauce.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Red Pepper Sauce
Return the smooth pepper mixture to the skillet and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. The cream adds richness while the Parmesan brings a savory depth and helps thicken the sauce. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and if you want a bit of heat, sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes so all the flavors can meld beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with your creamy red pepper sauce, tossing everything together to coat each piece generously. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it just a bit — this keeps your pasta wonderfully silky and saucy.
Step 6: Top with Burrata and Fresh Herbs
Serve your pasta immediately, placing torn pieces of fresh burrata cheese on top. As it gently melts into the warm sauce, it adds an irresistible creaminess that elevates the entire dish. Finally, sprinkle generously with fresh basil and parsley to provide a fresh, herbal contrast and vibrant color.
How to Serve Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Burrata and Herbs Recipe
Garnishes
The burrata itself is a showstopper, but adding a few extra touches will enhance the experience. Consider a drizzle of good quality olive oil, an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh thyme or oregano also pairs nicely if you want to vary the herb notes. A quick zest of lemon can brighten each bite too.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Burrata and Herbs Recipe pairs wonderfully with light sides. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or a simple arugula salad dressed in olive oil and balsamic complements the rich pasta perfectly. For bread lovers, warm, crusty garlic bread or a rustic ciabatta are perfect for mopping up the luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, try plating the pasta in shallow bowls and placing generous torn burrata balls strategically rather than mixing them all in. Garnish with whole basil leaves and parsley sprigs for an elegant, fresh look. You can drizzle a little chili oil over the top for a gourmet touch and a subtle heat contrast — it turns the dish into a feast for both eyes and palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got leftovers (though this Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Burrata and Herbs Recipe rarely lasts long!), store the pasta and sauce separately where possible. Keep the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator and the sauce in another. Burrata should be consumed fresh but can be kept a day or two chilled if tightly wrapped.
Freezing
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but the sauce freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To use, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming gently and re-tossing with freshly cooked pasta. Avoid freezing burrata, as its texture changes noticeably after thawing.
Reheating
When reheating leftover pasta with sauce, do it slowly on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream as needed to loosen the sauce and bring back that silky texture. Top with fresh burrata or a soft fresh mozzarella after reheating for the best fresh experience.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rigatoni and fettuccine work great due to their shape and texture, feel free to use penne, spaghetti, or even orecchiette. The key is to pick something that can hold the creamy red pepper sauce well.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version by swapping heavy cream for a plant-based cream alternative and omitting the Parmesan or using vegan cheese. For burrata, consider adding a dollop of cashew cream or a creamy vegan cheese substitute to mimic that luscious topping.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
To turn up the heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also stir in some chopped fresh chili or a splash of hot sauce to tailor the spice level to your liking.
Why should I reserve pasta water when cooking?
Pasta water contains starch released from the pasta while cooking, which helps bind and thicken sauces, giving them a velvety texture. Adding a splash of reserved pasta water can loosen too-thick sauce and help it cling beautifully to the noodles.
What type of burrata is best for this recipe?
Fresh burrata, ideally from a trusted deli or artisanal producer, offers the best creaminess and flavor. Look for burrata with a soft outer shell and a creamy, almost liquid interior for that melt-in-your-mouth experience that elevates this pasta dish.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Burrata and Herbs Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special but comes together with surprising ease. Each bite delivers smoky sweetness, creamy indulgence, and fresh herbaceous brightness that’s utterly addictive. Whether cooking for yourself or entertaining friends, this recipe promises to be a star at your table. I can’t wait for you to taste how simple ingredients combine to create such unforgettable magic!
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Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Burrata and Herbs Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Burrata and Herbs is a comforting Italian-inspired main course featuring al dente pasta tossed in a luscious roasted red pepper and Parmesan cream sauce. Topped with fresh burrata cheese and fragrant herbs, this dish combines creamy textures and vibrant flavors for a memorable vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz pasta (such as rigatoni or fettuccine)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 (12 oz) jar roasted red peppers, drained
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish
- 1 ball fresh burrata cheese
- Fresh basil and parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add and Puree Red Peppers: Add the drained roasted red peppers to the skillet and sauté for 2 minutes to combine flavors. Transfer the mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth for a creamy sauce base.
- Finish the Sauce: Return the pureed sauce to the skillet and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat each piece with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to desired consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the pasta immediately, topped with torn fresh burrata cheese. Garnish generously with fresh basil and parsley for a bright, herbal touch.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based cream and use dairy-free cheese alternatives or omit cheese altogether.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
- For added texture, consider garnishing with toasted pine nuts or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use good quality roasted red peppers for the best flavor, either jarred or homemade.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
