Save A festive and vibrant pasta dish featuring a luscious roasted red pepper sauce, topped with dollops of creamy ricotta to resemble Santa hats. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cheerful winter meal.
This cozy chicken stew has become a favorite in my family during the winter months.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) penne or rigatoni
- Roasted Red Pepper Sauce: 2 large roasted red bell peppers (jarred or homemade, about 250 g) drained, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 medium yellow onion chopped, 2 garlic cloves minced, 120 ml (½ cup) heavy cream, 30 g (¼ cup) grated Parmesan cheese, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Toppings: 120 g (½ cup) ricotta cheese, Fresh basil leaves for garnish, Extra grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain reserving 120 ml (½ cup) pasta water.
- Step 2:
- While the pasta cooks heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 4 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3:
- Add roasted red peppers to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes stirring occasionally.
- Step 4:
- Transfer the mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender. Add heavy cream Parmesan cheese smoked paprika salt black pepper and red pepper flakes (if using). Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Step 5:
- Return the red pepper sauce to the skillet over low heat. Add drained pasta and toss to coat adding reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
- Step 6:
- Divide pasta among plates. Top each serving with a generous spoonful of ricotta to resemble a Santa hat pom-pom. Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan.
Pin it My family loves this recipe especially during the holidays when togetherness is most felt
Notes
For extra festivity use small mozzarella balls instead of ricotta for the hat tip Add sautéed spinach or peas for more color and nutrition Jarred roasted red peppers save time but homemade adds a smoky depth Pair with a crisp Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon
Required Tools
Large pot Skillet Blender or immersion blender Cooking spoon Knife and cutting board
Nutritional Information
Calories 440 Total Fat 16 g Carbohydrates 56 g Protein 15 g
Pin it This pasta is sure to brighten your holiday table and become a seasonal favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I achieve a creamy texture for the sauce?
Blending roasted peppers with heavy cream and Parmesan creates a smooth, rich sauce that lightly coats the pasta.
- → Can I use fresh peppers instead of jarred?
Yes, roasting fresh red peppers yourself adds a smoky depth but jarred peppers offer a convenient time-saving alternative.
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Short tubular pastas like penne or rigatoni hold the sauce well and complement the creamy texture.
- → Are there alternative toppings to ricotta?
Small mozzarella balls can replace ricotta for a similar festive look with a slightly different texture.
- → How to keep the sauce from thinning out?
Adding reserved pasta water in small amounts helps achieve the perfect silky consistency without thinning the flavor.