This is creamy roasted red pepper sauce is a great recipe for the nights you want a quick meal. Just cook the pasta and warm the ingredients. The combination of red peppers, basil, parmesan, and ricotta creates a savory and slightly smoky flavor to the sauce.

Other easy pasta for recipes includes this ricotta and lemon spaghetti sauce and a classic puttanesca recipe for one serving.

Roasted red pepper pasta sauce in bowl with striped napling and slice of parmesan in background.

This recipe is made with just a few staples and can be ready in as much time as it takes to cook the pasta. As a bonus, this low-cook pasta sauce is made without tomatoes! Perfect weeknight dinner.

Ingredients Notes

bow tie pasta, red peppers,basil leaves, ricotta,parmesan. salt, butter, pepper flakes and garlic in small clear measuring bowls.

1 cup dried farfalle (bow-tie pasta)
2 tablespoons Ricotta cheese, room temperature
2 tablespoon Parmesan Cheese, grated
1 tablespoon butter, softened at room temperature
1 clove of garlic, minced
1/4 cup roasted red peppers, drained
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red peppers
10-12 fresh basil leaves, chopped

  • Farfalle Pasta (Bow-tie): you can use spaghetti or linguine.
  • Cheeses: a mix of parmesan and creamy ricotta cheese mixes well in the uncooked pasta sauce. The flavor of the two kinds of cheese balance the flavor well.
  • Butter: Adds extra creaminess to the sauce and helps the cheese to stick to the pasta. You can also add a little olive oil.
  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic cloves.
  • Roasted Red Peppers: What makes this pepper pasta sauce so fast is using jarred roasted or canned roasted red pepper. You can also roast your own peppers, just chop, toss in olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and roast for about 20 minutes.
  • Salt: Brings out the flavor of the ingredients.
  • Red pepper flakes: These add a bit of spice to the sauce and pair well with the roasted red peppers.
  • Basil: Fresh, always fresh torn fresh basil for the best flavor.

Step by Step Recipe Directions

(Note: please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the complete written instructions.)


Cooked bow-tie pasta in black mesh strainer.

Step One: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain, do not rinse, and set aside while you prepare the sauce.

melted butter and minced garlic cooking in french oven.

Step Two: Melt the butter in a 10-inch skillet or small french oven and sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds.

red pepper sauce in small grey french oven.

Step Three: Stir in the ricotta and parmesan, basil, pepper flakes, and roasted red peppers. Stir for about 1 minute until creamy and warm.

red pepper pasta sauce in pan with bow tie pasta.

Step Four: Add the pasta and toss to coat.

Step Five: Transfer pasta to a serving bowl, sprinkle with extra basil, and serve.

Bowl of bow tie pasta with a red pepper sauce.

Cooking Tips

  • The sauce can also be made in the microwave, just add all the ingredients into a serving bowl and microwave until the butter is melted. Add the pasta and stir to coat.
  • If you can’t find smaller jars of roasted red peppers then any remaining red peppers can be used in a tasty sausage and pepper stew.

How to Store Leftovers

Cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, sprinkle the pasta with a little olive oil, stir, and microwave for about 30 seconds or until warm.

Frequently Asked Question

What can I substitute for butter?

An equal amount of olive oil also works well.

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plate of roasted red pepper sauce over spaghetti.

Single Serving Ricotta and Roasted Pepper Sauce

This sauce only requires minimal cooking heat to warm up the ingredients. The combination of red pepper, basil, parmesan, and ricotta creates a savory and slightly smoky flavor to the sauce.
4.34 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Author:Sydney Dawes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried farfalle bow-tie pasta
  • 2 tablespoons Ricotta cheese room temperature
  • 2 tablespoon Parmesan Cheese grated
  • 1 tablespoon butter softened at room temperature
  • 1 clove of garlic minced
  • ¼ cup roasted red peppers drained
  • teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red peppers
  • 10-12 fresh basil leaves chopped

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain, do not rinse, and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
  • In a small saucepan or french oven,melt the butter and cook the garlic for about 45 seconds.
  • Add the ricotta, parmesan, roasted peppers, and salt. Cook on low for 1-2 minutes to heat the sauce to warm. Alternately you can add the ingredients to a microwave-safe bowl and heat the sauce for about 20-30 seconds.
  • Add the pasta to the serving bowl and toss to coat. Sprinkle the basil on the pasta and serve immediately.

Notes

Recommended Pasta are farfalle or penne.

Nutrition Disclaimer

I am not a certified Dietitian or Nutritionist. The nutrition amounts given below is an estimate only and provided as a general guide only.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 442kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 584mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g
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4.34 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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