Smoked Garlic Roasted Pepper Pasta: A Flavorful Weeknight Delight

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, look no further than this Smoked Garlic Roasted Pepper Pasta. This dish is a harmonious blend of smoky, creamy, and herbaceous flavors that come together in the time it takes to cook your pasta. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress.

In this post, we’ll dive into the details of this Smoked Garlic Roasted Pepper Pasta, including step-by-step instructions, tips for perfecting the dish, and why it’s a must-try for pasta lovers. Plus, we’ll explore how to make it vegan-friendly without compromising on flavor. Let’s get started!

---

Why You’ll Love This Smoked Garlic Roasted Pepper Pasta

1. Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
2. Bursting with Flavor: The combination of smoked garlic, roasted peppers, and Italian herbs creates a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
3. Vegan-Friendly: Made with vegan cream and nutritional yeast, this dish is completely plant-based but still creamy and indulgent.
4. Versatile: Use any pasta shape you have on hand, and customize the herbs and spices to suit your taste.

---

Ingredients for Smoked Garlic Roasted Pepper Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• 3 cloves smoked garlic (see notes for regular garlic substitution)
• 100 g roasted red peppers (about 2 peppers, or use jarred roasted peppers)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or use the oil from the jar of roasted peppers)
• 1 tbsp Italian herbs (a blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary works well)
• 1 tsp salt & pepper (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp tomato puree (for a rich, tangy base)
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy, umami flavor)
• 100 ml vegan single cream (or half-and-half if not vegan)
• 10 g fresh basil (finely chopped, for garnish)
• 200 g dried pasta (any shape you like)

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil.
2. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually around 7-10 minutes).
3. Reserve about 180 ml of pasta water before draining the rest. This starchy water will help thicken and bind the sauce later.

Step 2: Prepare the Smoked Garlic Roasted Pepper Sauce

1. While the pasta is cooking, add the roasted peppers, olive oil, Italian herbs, salt, pepper, nutritional yeast, tomato puree, and smoked garlic cloves to a blender.
2. Blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add a tablespoon of water to loosen it up.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

1. Transfer the blended sauce to a large pan and heat it over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
2. Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from sticking to the pan or burning.
3. Add a ladleful of the reserved pasta water (about 180 ml) to the sauce and stir well. This will help create a silky, cohesive sauce.
4. Gently stir in the vegan cream, making sure the mixture doesn’t boil. Boiling the cream can cause it to split, so keep the heat low.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the pan with the sauce.
2. Toss the pasta in the sauce until it’s evenly coated.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as desired.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Finely chop the fresh basil and sprinkle it over the pasta.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy your Smoked Garlic Roasted Pepper Pasta!

---

Tips for Perfect Smoked Garlic Roasted Pepper Pasta

1. Use Smoked Garlic for Depth of Flavor: Smoked garlic adds a unique, smoky depth to the dish. If you can’t find smoked garlic, use regular garlic but cook it in the pan before adding the sauce to mellow its sharpness.
2. Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is key to creating a smooth, velvety sauce that clings to the pasta.
3. Season Generously: Pasta dishes often need more seasoning than you might think. Taste as you go and adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs to suit your palate.
4. Customize the Cream: If you’re not vegan, you can use regular cream or half-and-half. For a lighter option, try coconut milk or cashew cream.
5. Experiment with Pasta Shapes: While this recipe works beautifully with macaroni, feel free to use penne, fusilli, or spaghetti for variety.

---

 The Magic of Smoked Garlic in Pasta

Smoked garlic is the star ingredient in this Smoked Garlic Roasted Pepper Pasta, and for good reason. Unlike regular garlic, smoked garlic undergoes a slow smoking process that infuses it with a deep, earthy flavor. This transformation makes it less pungent than raw garlic while adding a rich, smoky aroma that elevates any dish it’s added to.

When used in pasta sauces, smoked garlic brings a unique depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate with other ingredients. It pairs exceptionally well with roasted peppers, as the sweetness of the peppers balances the smokiness of the garlic. This combination creates a sauce that’s both complex and comforting, making it a standout in your weeknight dinner rotation.

If you can’t find smoked garlic, don’t worry—regular garlic works too. However, be sure to cook it thoroughly in the pan before adding the sauce to mellow its sharpness. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor.

Smoked garlic isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with health benefits. Like regular garlic, it contains allicin, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. It’s also rich in antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage.

Incorporating smoked garlic into your cooking is a simple way to add a gourmet touch to everyday meals. Whether you’re making pasta, soups, or roasted vegetables, this versatile ingredient is sure to impress.

Why Vegan Cream is a Game-Changer in Pasta Sauces

Vegan cream is the secret to making this Smoked Garlic Roasted Pepper Pasta creamy and indulgent without using dairy. Made from plant-based ingredients like cashews, oats, or soy, vegan cream is a versatile alternative that works beautifully in pasta sauces.

One of the biggest advantages of using vegan cream is its ability to create a rich, velvety texture without overpowering the other flavors in the dish. In this recipe, the cream blends seamlessly with the roasted pepper and smoked garlic sauce, adding a luscious finish that’s hard to resist.

Another benefit of vegan cream is its lower environmental impact compared to dairy cream. Plant-based creams require fewer resources to produce, making them a more sustainable choice. They’re also cholesterol-free and often lower in saturated fats, making them a healthier option for those watching their heart health.

When cooking with vegan cream, it’s important to avoid boiling it, as high heat can cause it to separate. Instead, gently simmer the sauce and stir frequently to ensure a smooth, cohesive texture.

Why Smoked Garlic and Roasted Peppers Work So Well

The magic of this Smoked Garlic Roasted Pepper Pasta lies in the combination of two key ingredients: smoked garlic and roasted peppers.

• Smoked Garlic: This ingredient adds a deep, smoky flavor that elevates the dish. It’s less pungent than raw garlic but still packs a flavorful punch.
• Roasted Peppers: Roasting peppers brings out their natural sweetness and adds a subtle charred flavor. When blended into a sauce, they create a rich, velvety texture that pairs perfectly with pasta.

Together, these ingredients create a sauce that’s both complex and comforting, making this dish a standout in your weeknight dinner rotation.

---

Nutritional Benefits

This Smoked Garlic Roasted Pepper Pasta isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with nutrients:

• Roasted Peppers: High in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and fiber.
• Smoked Garlic: Contains allicin, which has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
• Nutritional Yeast: A great source of B vitamins and protein, especially for vegans.
• Olive Oil: Rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and toss it with freshly cooked pasta.

Can I Freeze the Sauce?

Absolutely. The roasted pepper sauce freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.

What Can I Serve with Smoked Garlic Roasted Pepper Pasta?

This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For added protein, consider serving it with grilled tofu or chickpeas.

---

Print

Final Thoughts

This Smoked Garlic Roasted Pepper Pasta is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. With its smoky, creamy sauce and al dente pasta, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.