Ingredients
3 medium red peppers (420g), cut into large slices
1 medium sweet white onion (230g), cut into wedges
8 garlic cloves
Olive oil and kosher salt for roasting, as needed
10 oz (255g) penne rigate or tube-shaped pasta
1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
½ cup (110ml) cashew milk or creamy milk
¼ cup (45ml) pasta water
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
Finely grated parmesan or nutritional yeast for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep — Set your oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roast the Veggies — Toss red peppers, onion, and garlic with olive oil and salt. Roast for 25–30 minutes until slightly charred.
3. Cook the Pasta — While the veggies roast, cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.
4. Blend the Sauce — Combine roasted veggies, cashew milk, pasta water, tomato paste, oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt in a blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, at least 2–3 minutes for a velvety texture.
5. Combine and Serve — Pour sauce over pasta, heat gently, and stir until the sauce clings. Adjust seasoning and top with parmesan or nutritional yeast.
Notes
Don’t rush the roast — Let the peppers and onions get nicely charred for the best flavor. This step is key to developing that deep, sweet taste.
Reserve your pasta water — That starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta and creates a silky texture. Never skip this step!
Taste as you go — Adjust salt and red pepper flakes to your preference. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away.
Blend until ultra-smooth — For the creamiest sauce, blend for at least 2–3 minutes. You want it totally velvety.
Make it vegan: Use olive oil instead of butter and nutritional yeast in place of parmesan for a fully dairy-free version.
Variations: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor. Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition and color. Toss in grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting / Blender / Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian / Mediterranean