Description
A rich and creamy red pepper Alfredo sauce featuring roasted red bell peppers blended with a smooth mixture of heavy cream, Parmesan, and cream cheese. This velvety sauce is perfect served over pasta, vegetables, or your favorite protein, adding vibrant color and bold Italian-American flavors to your meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large roasted red bell pepper (jarred or homemade), chopped
Dairy and Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Roasted Pepper: Add the chopped roasted red bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
- Puree Mixture: Transfer the onion, garlic, and roasted pepper mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth, creating a vibrant sauce base.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the pureed mixture to the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and Italian seasoning. Simmer on low heat, stirring often, until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens, approximately 5–7 minutes.
- Finish with Butter: Stir in the tablespoon of butter until the sauce becomes glossy and rich. Serve immediately over pasta, vegetables, or your protein of choice for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Jarred roasted red peppers can be used for convenience without sacrificing flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use vegan cheese alternatives.
- This sauce pairs wonderfully with fettuccine, grilled chicken, or sautéed mushrooms.
