Why You’ll Love Roasted Red Pepper Alfredo Recipe
This recipe combines convenience with elevated flavor. Using roasted red peppers enhances traditional Alfredo sauce with a slightly smoky, sweet depth that tastes gourmet without requiring complicated steps. It’s quick to prepare, family-friendly, and versatile enough to customize with your favorite protein or vegetables.
The creamy texture coats every bite of pasta perfectly, while the seasoned shrimp adds a savory balance. Whether you’re cooking for guests or simply craving comfort food, this dish delivers impressive results with minimal effort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Roasted red peppers
Jarred Alfredo sauce
Mozzarella cheese
Basil olive oil
Minced garlic
Gluten-free penne pasta
Shrimp, peeled and deveined
Paprika
Dried oregano
Dried basil
Olive oil
Salt
Directions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a blender or food processor, combine the Alfredo sauce, roasted red peppers, basil olive oil, and minced garlic. Blend until smooth and creamy.
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In a bowl, season the shrimp with paprika, oregano, dried basil, and salt. Toss until evenly coated.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until pink and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside if needed.
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Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour the blended roasted red pepper Alfredo sauce into the skillet. Stir in the mozzarella cheese and cook until melted and smooth.
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Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through.
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Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 to 6 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 to 20 minutes
Total time: Approximately 30 minutes
Variations
For a different protein option, substitute grilled chicken, Italian sausage, or even seared scallops for the shrimp. To make it vegetarian, simply omit the shrimp and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli instead.
If you enjoy a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce. For an even richer flavor, stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese. You can also experiment with different pasta shapes such as fettuccine, rigatoni, or rotini.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Because the sauce is creamy, it may thicken as it sits.
To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat and add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Freezing is not recommended, as cream-based sauces can separate when thawed.
FAQs
Can I use homemade Alfredo sauce instead of jarred?
Yes, homemade Alfredo sauce works beautifully in this recipe and can enhance the overall flavor even more.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the shrimp ahead of time. Store them separately and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
What type of roasted red peppers should I use?
Jarred roasted red peppers are convenient and work perfectly. You can also roast fresh bell peppers at home for a deeper flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free pasta and ensure your Alfredo sauce is gluten-free.
Can I make this without shrimp?
Absolutely. You can substitute chicken, sausage, or keep it vegetarian with added vegetables.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much, simply add a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to loosen it.
What pasta shapes work best?
Penne, fettuccine, rigatoni, or rotini all work well because they hold the creamy sauce nicely.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, sautéed spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli make excellent additions.
How spicy is this dish?
The base recipe is mild. You can increase the spice level by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.
Conclusion
Roasted Red Pepper Alfredo is a simple yet impressive pasta dish that brings together creamy sauce, sweet roasted peppers, and perfectly seasoned shrimp. It’s adaptable, comforting, and ideal for both casual meals and special occasions. With its bold color and rich flavor, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation.
