Save to Pinterest Indulge in a bowl of pure comfort with this Vegan Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta. This luscious, plant-based dish features a vibrant, smoky sauce that is surprisingly protein-rich thanks to the addition of hidden lentils. It is a silky, dairy-free masterpiece that comes together quickly, making it the perfect solution for a wholesome and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Save to Pinterest The combination of roasted red bell peppers and smoked paprika gives this pasta an incredible depth of flavor. By blending the sauce until completely smooth, you create a velvety coating for every piece of pasta, ensuring a decadent experience in every bite.
Ingredients
- 340 g (12 oz) dried penne or fusilli pasta (gluten-free if desired)
- 2 large red bell peppers, roasted, peeled, and seeded
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 120 g (3/4 cup) cooked brown or green lentils (well-drained)
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) unsweetened plant-based milk (e.g., oat, almond, soy)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Garnish: Fresh basil leaves, vegan parmesan, or crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 120 ml (1/2 cup) of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Blend the Sauce
- In a blender, combine the sautéed onion and garlic, roasted red peppers, cooked lentils, plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, tomato paste, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Simmer and Adjust
- Return the sauce to the skillet over low heat. Stir in the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired sauce consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 5: Combine
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing thoroughly to coat. Heat for 1–2 minutes until everything is warmed through.
- Step 6: Serve
- Garnish with fresh basil, vegan parmesan, or red pepper flakes and serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
If you are short on time, using jarred roasted red peppers is an excellent shortcut that doesn't compromise on flavor. To ensure the smoothest sauce possible, make sure your cooked lentils are well-drained before adding them to the blender.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily customize this dish by swapping brown lentils for red lentils for a slightly sweeter finish. For an extra dose of greens, stir in some sautéed spinach or zucchini just before serving.
Serviervorschläge
This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and a glass of vegan-friendly Pinot Grigio. For a bit of extra texture, serve it alongside some warm, crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the creamy sauce.
Save to Pinterest With 14 grams of protein per serving and a flavor profile that rivals any traditional dairy-based pasta, this Vegan Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the perfect balance of smoky, savory, and silky textures in every forkful.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I taste the lentils in the sauce?
No, the lentils blend completely smooth into the sauce. They primarily add creaminess, body, and plant-based protein while remaining undetectable in flavor.
- → What type of pasta works best?
Penne or fusilli work excellently as their shapes hold the creamy sauce well. You can use traditional pasta or opt for gluten-free varieties if needed.
- → Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently with a splash of water or plant milk before tossing with pasta.
- → Is there a substitute for nutritional yeast?
Nutritional yeast provides cheesy flavor and B vitamins. For similar umami, try miso paste or a blend of cashews and lemon juice, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
- → How do I roast red peppers?
Broil whole peppers until charred on all sides, then place in a bowl and cover for 10 minutes. The steam loosens the skin, making it easy to peel off.
- → Can I freeze this dish?
The sauce freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze sauce separately from pasta and toss together when reheating.