Description
Creamy Red Pepper Alfredo Sauce is a luscious and flavorful Italian-inspired sauce made with roasted red peppers, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. Perfect for tossing with pasta, drizzling over grilled chicken, or serving with sautéed vegetables, this sauce combines smoky sweetness with a rich, velvety texture. It’s easily customizable for dietary preferences and elevates any meal with its vibrant color and comforting taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (12-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional for extra richness)
For Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Allow it to warm slightly before proceeding.
- Sauté the onion: Add the chopped yellow onion to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent, developing a mild sweetness.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it, to release its aroma.
- Add roasted red peppers and broth: Incorporate the chopped roasted red peppers and broth into the pan. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Puree the mixture: Carefully transfer the contents to a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the saucepan. Blend until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy in texture.
- Add cream and cheese: Return the pureed sauce to the saucepan if you used a blender. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Combine thoroughly.
- Simmer to thicken: Cook the sauce over medium-low heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the sauce thickens to your preferred consistency.
- Finish with butter: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in butter if using, to add extra richness and a silky finish.
- Serve and garnish: Spoon the sauce over your choice of cooked pasta, grilled chicken, or steamed vegetables. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a vibrant presentation.
Notes
- This sauce pairs beautifully with fettuccine, penne, or zucchini noodles for a gluten-free option.
- To make a dairy-free version, substitute full-fat coconut milk for heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley to add a fresh, aromatic finish to the dish.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
