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Roasted Red Pepper Ricotta Pasta

Name: Roasted Red Pepper Ricotta Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 Roma Tomato (I used Roma tomatoes); 1 jar Fire Roasted Red Peppers (I used a 12 oz jar; drained ); 3 cloves Garlic; 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil; 1 cup Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese; 1 teaspoon Paprika; 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt; 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper; 1/4 teaspoon Dried Basil; 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes; 1/2 teaspoon Ras El Hanout (see note); 1 lb Pasta (I used rigatoni; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water); 1 Lemon (divided ); 2 cups Baby Spinach; 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (roughly chopped; additional to serve); Kosher Salt & Black Pepper (to taste); Parmesan Cheese (optional to serve)

By Carolyn Stilwell

5 from 2 votes

Updated Jan 28, 2025, Published on Sep 15, 2023

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If you're craving a creamy bowl of pasta, but are looking for something a little lighter - this Roasted Red Pepper Ricotta Pasta is for you! This dish is bursting with Mediterranean flavors mixed with creamy ricotta cheese. This pasta comes together in under 30 minutes and is one that everyone will love!

If you enjoy recipes like this, be sure to check out my other pasta recipes!

Let's get into making the pasta!

Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Let's start with the star of the show—the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce. This velvety sauce combines the smoky sweetness of roasted red peppers with the creaminess of ricotta cheese. It's also full of other seasonings to create a super flavorful sauce.

The Ingredients

Tomatoes: The base of the sauce is crafted using fresh Roma tomatoes, lending a natural sweetness and acidity to balance the flavors.
Roasted Red Peppers: These bring a delightful smokiness to the sauce. Be sure to drain them before use.
Garlic: I added three cloves of garlic because every sauce is better with some garlic!
Olive Oil
Ricotta: The creamy richness of ricotta cheese adds a luxurious texture to the sauce.
Spice It Up: A dash of paprika, a pinch of salt, a sprinkle of black pepper, dried basil, red pepper flakes
Ras El Hanout: I had this seasoning blend on hand from another recipe and I'm a BIG fan. This seasoning blend often includes a combination of the following spices: Cumin, Coriander, Turmeric, Ginger, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Allspice, Cloves, Cardamom, Paprika, Chili peppers or cayenne pepper. If you don't have this seasoning blend on hand, you can make your own, omit, or add a pinch of any of the seasonings above you have on hand.

The Pasta and Greens

To complement this sauce, you'll need:

Pasta: Rigatoni is an excellent choice, but feel free to use your favorite pasta variety. Cook it to al dente in salted water, and don't forget to reserve half a cup of pasta water for later.
Lemon: The juice of half a lemon gets added straight to the sauce and the other half is used to serve.
Spinach: Two cups of fresh spinach bring vibrant green color.
Fresh Parsley: Roughly chop a quarter cup of fresh parsley for a burst of herbaceous freshness.
Salt & Pepper: To taste.

The Finishing Touches

For those who enjoy an extra layer of flavor:

Parmesan Cheese: Grate some Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top.
Olive Oil: Drizzle a bit of olive oil.
Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle additional fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Lemon: Squeeze the remaining lemon to serve as desired.

Putting It All Together

Roasted Red Pepper Sauce: Begin by blending the tomatoes, roasted red peppers, garlic, ricotta, paprika, salt, black pepper, basil, and Ras el Hanout.
Cook the Pasta: Simultaneously, cook your chosen pasta to al dente. Remember to reserve pasta water before draining. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Combining the Elements: Pour the blended Roasted Red Pepper Sauce into the empty pot you used for the pasta or a separate pan if you prefer. Heat the sauce over medium heat for about five minutes, stirring occasionally. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Burst of Freshness: Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the sauce, add the spinach and fresh parsley, and stir to combine until the spinach wilts.
Bringing It All Together: Transfer the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding splashes of pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency. Ensure everything is well combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Presentation: Serve this Mediterranean masterpiece in bowls, garnishing with additional lemon juice, fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.

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Save this recipe for a super easy lunch or dinner that comes together in 20 minutes without sacrificing any flavor! The garlic, shallots, Calabrian chili paste, spinach, and parsley create a delicious pasta that is light but satisfying.

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About Carolyn Stilwell

My name is Carolyn Stilwell and I’m the cook, recipe developer, photographer, and videographer behind Carol Bee Cooks. On my blog you’ll find easy, tasty, and approachable recipes to inspire you to cook amazing food at home. You don’t need to be a professional chef to make exciting, flavorful dishes that bring joy. Let's get cooking!

Roasted Red Pepper Ricotta Pasta