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Roasted red pepper pasta with green and parmesan cheese in a bowl.

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta With Spinach

This Tuscan pasta feast is a quick way to get extra veggies. Rich roasted red pepper pasta with bitter wilted Italian green and toasted almonds.
4.15 from 7 votes
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Ingredients

For the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce:

  • 4 medium red bell peppers, cut into large chunks
  • 4 small banana shallots, peeled and sliced
  • 3 cloves of garlic, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 8 sprigs of thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

  • 1 pound 450g dried pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cups baby spinach, or substitute with Swiss chard if preferred
  • ¼ cup almonds, toasted
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Make the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce:

  • Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
  • In a large roasting tray, combine the red peppers, shallots, and garlic. Sprinkle with brown sugar and balsamic vinegar, then scatter the thyme leaves over. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Roast for 20-25 minutes until the vegetables are charred and caramelized. Transfer to a blender and puree until smooth. Set aside half of the sauce for the pasta (store the remainder as noted below).

Prepare the Toasted Almonds:

  • In a dry frying pan over medium heat, toast the almonds until browned and fragrant. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

Cook the Spinach:

  • In the same pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the spinach and sauté until just wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Set aside.

Prepare the Pasta Sauce:

  • In a skillet or deep frying pan, combine half of the roasted red pepper sauce with the heavy cream. Whisk together and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.

Cook the Pasta:

  • Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.

Assemble the Dish:

  • Pour the creamy pepper sauce over the cooked pasta, tossing to coat evenly. Transfer to a serving bowl or distribute among plates.
  • Top with wilted spinach and sprinkle with toasted almonds.

Notes

  • Storage: Extra roasted red pepper sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Variations: When mixing the pasta with the sauce, consider adding in grilled chicken strips or sautéed prawns for added protein.
  • Serving Suggestion: This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Calories: 684kcal | Carbohydrates: 84g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 176mg | Sodium: 50mg | Potassium: 400mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1655IU | Vitamin C: 8.9mg | Calcium: 105mg | Iron: 2.5mg
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