Easy Red Pepper Pasta with Pancetta Recipe

Hearty, creamy, and oh-so-easy, this will become your newest go-to pasta recipe!

Pasta lovers, rejoice! I have the perfect weeknight dinner for you: this creamy and comforting red pepper pasta with pancetta. A creamy, quick, romesco-style sauce to smother your noodles with and chewy pancetta for a delicious salty bite. 

There’s nothing I love more than a rich, filling bowl of pasta. However, I often retreat to my staple sauces like marinara, especially on busy weeknights when I don’t have time to create a sauce from scratch. If you’ve been looking for a creamy roasted red pepper pasta to switch things up from the usual tomato or Alfredo sauces, this is your go-to recipe. 

This seemingly-complicated sauce couldn’t be easier thanks to fresh ingredients and a blender. With roasted red peppers, plum tomatoes, almonds, garlic, and tons of Parmesan cheese, this simple but ultra-satisfying pasta is the answer to your weeknight dinner woes, and it comes together in no time!

Still hungry? Try my favorite pasta recipes from the blog: Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Recipe with Chicken Sausage, Marry Me Creamy Chicken Pasta, + 5 Ingredient Creamy Sausage, Pea, and Caramelized Onion Pasta.

Here’s why this recipe will steal your heart!

I’m a sucker for a good pasta dish, and there’s no better feeling than sitting down to a big bowl of creamy pasta after a long day. The creamy texture of the roasted red pepper sauce and the nutty flavor from the almonds make this pasta extra special. And let’s not forget about the crispy pancetta—it’s the best part of this dish, providing the perfect salty crunch.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how quick and easy it is to make. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a hearty, creamy pasta dish that’s packed with flavor. The creamy sauce comes together with minimal effort, and the pancetta gives it that perfect salty bite that you’ll crave. Plus, the sauce stores well in the fridge for up to two days, so it’s a great option for easy weeknight dinners. Simply store the leftovers in an airtight container for later.

You can watch a step-by-step video of this recipe on The Savvy Spoon Instagram, here!

Ingredients you’ll need:

For the sauce

• 5 oz jarred roasted red bell peppers
• 5 plum tomatoes fresh or canned
• 1 Cup raw almonds
• juice from 1/2 lemon
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 2 Tbsp chopped flat leaf parsley
• 4-6 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 Tsp salt

For the pasta

• 1 lb. pasta preferably gluten-free
• 8 oz. diced pancetta

For serving

• fresh parmesan cheese
• fresh parsley leaves

How you’ll make my Red Pepper Pasta with Pancetta: 

For the sauce

• Place all ingredients (except olive oil) into a blender or food processor and pulse to blend. Drizzle in olive oil a few tablespoons at a time until creamy and smooth.

For the pasta

• Cook pancetta in a non-stick sauté pan over medium heat for 5-7 minutes or until crispy.
• Bring a large pot of water to boil before adding 1-2 tbsp. Kosher salt.
• Bring back to a boil, then add in pasta, cooking to package directions for al denote.
• Once cooked, add pasta to pancetta pan with tongs before adding romesco sauce. Thin out sauce with pasta water if needed.
• Serve pasta with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley! Keeps well in refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Add these sides to turn your Red Pepper Pasta into a meal!

• Strawberry Caprese Salad – The sweetness of strawberries and creaminess of mozzarella create a refreshing contrast to the rich red pepper pasta.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad – Charred Brussels sprouts with a tangy Caesar dressing bring crunch and freshness that complement the creamy pasta.
• Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots with Feta – Sweet and tangy roasted carrots with feta balance the richness of the pasta and pancetta, making for a flavorful side.

Savvy tips for making the best Red Pepper Pasta 

• Use good-quality olive oil: A splash of olive oil really helps elevate the flavor of the sauce, so don’t skimp on this step!
• Customize your protein: While pancetta adds a great salty bite, you could also use chicken breast, Italian sausage, or even vegan options like tofu or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
• Nutritional yeast for a vegan option: If you’re looking to make this dish vegan, skip the Parmesan cheese and top your pasta with a generous sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy, savory flavor.
• Add red pepper flakes for heat: If you like a little spice, throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the pancetta to infuse some heat into the dish.
• Versatile pasta shapes: This dish also holds up well to various pasta shapes, so whether you’ve got penne pasta or whole grain pasta on hand, it will work just fine. It’s all about the flavor of the sauce and how it envelops those noodles!

FAQs

This red pepper pasta with pancetta is everything you need in a pasta dish: creamy, comforting, and full of flavor. I love how simple yet flavorful this recipe is, made with simple ingredients and only a couple of minutes of effort for a quick dinner that’s guaranteed to impress. The delicious sauce comes together effortlessly, making this dish an easy option for those busy weeknights. Give this recipe a try, and I guarantee it will become your favorite pasta recipe to turn to next time you’re in need of something satisfying and full of flavor.

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