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Creamy Skillet Marry Me Pasta Recipe Easy Homemade Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

creamy skillet marry me pasta - featured image

A creamy, tangy, and smoky skillet pasta dish featuring a homemade roasted red pepper sauce, cooked all in one pan for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup roasted red peppers, drained (jarred or freshly roasted)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for lighter/dairy-free option)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano preferred)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 12 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta (any long pasta works well)
  • 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • A handful fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 ounces cooked chicken breast, sliced or shredded (optional; can substitute sautéed mushrooms for vegetarian)

Instructions

  1. In a blender or food processor, combine roasted red peppers, minced garlic, olive oil, and heavy cream. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add a splash of broth or cream if sauce is too thick.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add chicken or vegetable broth. Once simmering, add dry pasta directly into the broth. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Cook for 10-12 minutes until pasta is al dente and broth mostly absorbed.
  3. Pour the roasted red pepper sauce over the cooked pasta in the skillet. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through and sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Stir in sliced cooked chicken breast and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to warm chicken and soften tomatoes. If using mushrooms or other veggies, sauté beforehand and add now.
  5. Remove skillet from heat, sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top, and gently stir to combine.
  6. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on the side and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Notes

Cook pasta in broth instead of water for extra flavor. Stir often to prevent sticking. Use fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan for best taste. Add sauce at medium to medium-low heat to avoid breaking the cream. Add tomatoes last to keep them juicy. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pasta, roasted red pepper sauce, skillet pasta, easy dinner, one-pan meal, Marry Me Pasta, homemade sauce, quick pasta recipe