Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Tortellini: Your New Obsession!
Red pepper tortellini: master this creamy, smoky pasta dish in under 30 minutes. Features tender tortellini coated in a rich, bright sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 (16 ounce) package cheese tortellini
- 1 (16 ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 shallots, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup vodka (or water)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream or canned coconut milk
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for cooking the tortellini. Add the roasted red peppers to a food processor or blender.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the shallots and garlic. Cook until the shallots begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the shallot-garlic mix to the food processor or blender with the red peppers. Puree until smooth.
- Set the same skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the tomato paste, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 4 minutes, until thickened. Stir in the vodka (or water), and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in the pureed red pepper sauce and the heavy cream (or coconut milk). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the tortellini according to package directions until al dente. Drain, then toss immediately with the creamy red pepper sauce.
- Divide the tortellini between plates and top with fresh Parmesan cheese and basil, if desired. Serve and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- To ensure a silky-smooth sauce, fully puree the roasted red peppers with the cooked shallots and garlic until no lumps remain. I once rushed this step, and the sauce had a slightly chunky texture which wasn't as luxurious.
- Don't overcook the tortellini! Al dente pasta will absorb the sauce better and maintain its texture. Follow package directions precisely.
- This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.
- Don't overcook the tortellini! Al dente pasta will absorb the sauce better and maintain its texture. Follow package directions precisely.
- This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.