Pin it
This 15-minute smoked garlic pasta with roasted peppers turns basic ingredients into an amazing dinner. Every pasta strand gets covered in a smooth sauce that perfectly blends smoky garlic, sweet roasted peppers, and fresh herbs. You'll think you're eating at a fancy Italian spot, not your own kitchen.
I wasn't sure something this easy could taste so fancy when I first tried making it. But after one taste, it became our go-to meal for nights when I don't feel like cooking but don't want to order food either.
Ingredients
- Smoked garlic cloves: Give that amazing smoky flavor you can't get from regular garlic
- Roasted red peppers: Add natural sweetness and gorgeous color
- Vegan single cream: Makes everything silky without using dairy
- Italian herbs: Bring those classic Mediterranean flavors
- Nutritional yeast: Adds a hint of cheesy flavor that makes the sauce extra good
- Fresh basil: Wakes up the whole dish with its fresh smell and taste
- Pasta of choice: Pick whatever type you like best
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil the Pasta:
- Get a big pot of water going with a good handful of salt. When it's bubbling, drop in your pasta and cook until it's got a slight bite, around 7 minutes usually. While that's happening, you can get your sauce ready.
- Blend the Sauce Components:
- Throw your roasted peppers, oil, herbs, salt, pepper, nutritional yeast, tomato puree, and smoked garlic in a blender. Blend until it's all smooth. If it looks too thick, splash in a bit of water so it can pour easily. You want it smooth but not runny.
- Heat and Develop Flavors:
- Pour your blended mix into a big pan over medium heat. Keep stirring so it doesn't stick or burn. This cooking bit really brings all the flavors together and softens the garlic taste. Once it starts gently bubbling, add about 180ml of the starchy pasta water, which helps the sauce stick to the pasta.
- Incorporate Cream and Pasta:
- Turn the heat down low and mix in the vegan cream. Don't let it boil. Drain your pasta and toss it right into the sauce, mixing gently until every bit of pasta is coated. Your pasta will keep soaking up all those tasty flavors as you mix.
Pin it
The first time my Italian buddy tried this pasta, he asked for my secret before he'd even finished eating. What shocked him most was how the smoked garlic turned a basic dish into something that tasted so fancy and complex.
Storage Tips
This pasta stays great in a sealed container in your fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually get better overnight, making leftovers sometimes tastier than the first serving. When you warm it up, add a splash of water or plant milk since the sauce gets thicker when cold. Heat it slowly and stir gently to keep that creamy texture just right.
Substitution Guide
Don't have smoked garlic? Just use normal garlic with a tiny bit of smoked paprika for a similar taste. Store-bought jarred roasted peppers work perfectly, but if you're using fresh ones, you can roast them yourself by charring them under the broiler until black, then letting them steam in a covered bowl before peeling off the skins. If you need to avoid nuts in your cream, try coconut cream for richness. It adds a slight coconut flavor that surprisingly works really well with everything else.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta works great as a main dish with a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil on the side. For a bigger meal, mix in some roasted veggies like zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms. Tossing some toasted pine nuts on top adds a nice crunch and nutty taste. When feeding friends, serve it in a big shallow bowl with lots of torn basil leaves on top and a drizzle of your fanciest olive oil.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I switch smoked garlic for normal garlic?
Sure! Regular garlic works fine. Just lightly cook it in a pan to tone down the sharp flavor.
- → What kind of roasted peppers should I pick?
You can either grab jarred roasted peppers from the store or roast fresh red peppers yourself. Both will do great.
- → Which pasta shapes are sweet spots for this?
Honestly, all pasta works. Spaghetti, penne, or even macaroni are perfect picks for this dish.
- → Is it easy to make this dish without gluten?
Yes, it’s simple! Swap in gluten-free pasta, and you're all set for a gluten-free version.
- → What can I swap vegan cream for?
No vegan cream? No problem. Go for plant-based milk or coconut cream. Add pasta water to tweak the thickness if you need to.