Creamy, comforting, and bursting with bold Mediterranean flavors, Roasted Red Pepper Cream Rigatoni with Feta is destined to become your new favorite weeknight indulgence. This dish combines rich roasted bell peppers, silky cream, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed with hearty rigatoni for the most satisfying forkful in every bite. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner or looking to impress friends around the table, this pasta is as attractive as it is irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Roasted Red Pepper Cream Rigatoni with Feta lies in its straightforward ingredient list—each one playing a starring role in the dish’s luxurious texture, vibrant color, and layered flavors. A handful of simple items come together to create a pasta experience that feels both familiar and utterly special.
- Rigatoni pasta: The hollow shape and ridges make rigatoni perfect for catching all that luscious sauce.
- Red bell peppers: Roasted and peeled, these peppers add depth, sweetness, and an irresistible smoky aroma.
- Olive oil: A staple that gives the sautéed veggies richness and rounds out the sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for a fragrant punch; don’t skimp—garlic is foundational here.
- Onion: Provides a mellow sweetness and forms the aromatic base of the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream: Essential for that dreamy, velvety texture in every bite.
- Feta cheese: Adds tang and a lovely saltiness, with a little extra for the perfect finish on top.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who want a subtle kick and warming heat.
- Salt and black pepper: The classic duo that makes all flavors pop—season to taste.
- Fresh basil or parsley: Fresh herbs add a pop of color and a final burst of freshness to your plated pasta.
How to Make Roasted Red Pepper Cream Rigatoni with Feta
Step 1: Roast and Prepare the Peppers
Start your Roasted Red Pepper Cream Rigatoni with Feta journey by preheating the oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C). Place your whole red bell peppers on a baking sheet and roast them until their skins are beautifully blistered and charred, usually 20 to 25 minutes. Once roasted, transfer them to a bowl, cover, and let them steam for about 10 minutes—this softens the skins, making peeling a breeze. Peel off the skins, remove the seeds, and set the beautiful roasted flesh aside for blending.
Step 2: Cook the Rigatoni
While the peppers are steaming, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until perfect al dente. Remember to scoop out and reserve half a cup of that starchy pasta water—it’ll work culinary magic later to adjust the sauce consistency if needed. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and let it soften and become translucent, infusing the oil with sweet undertones. Next, stir in the garlic and give it a minute or two to release its intoxicating aroma—this aromatic duo sets the foundation for the deep, comforting flavors of the Roasted Red Pepper Cream Rigatoni with Feta sauce.
Step 4: Blend the Sauce
Pop the roasted pepper strips into a blender or food processor, pour in the heavy cream, and blend until completely smooth. What you’ll get is a gorgeously hued, velvety sauce brimming with sweet and smoky notes. Pour this rich blend straight into your skillet with the softened onions and garlic, then let it simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes so the flavors can mingle and marry.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce with Feta
Crumble in the feta cheese and sprinkle in the red pepper flakes if you love a touch of heat. Stir the sauce well, allowing the feta to melt just enough for creaminess but still keeping a little tangy texture. Season the sauce with a generous pinch of salt and a good grind of black pepper. Taste, adjust, and let yourself be guided by your senses.
Step 6: Combine Rigatoni and Sauce
Add your cooked rigatoni directly into the skillet of creamy roasted red pepper sauce. Toss thoroughly, making sure each tube of rigatoni is enrobed in that luscious, colorful sauce. If the mixture feels a bit thick, splash in some reserved pasta water until it’s perfectly silky and saucy. This is where Roasted Red Pepper Cream Rigatoni with Feta comes to its delicious finale!
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Dish out generous portions of your Roasted Red Pepper Cream Rigatoni with Feta onto plates or into bowls. Top each serving with extra crumbled feta and a scattering of fresh basil or parsley. The result is a show-stopping plate that looks as stunning as it tastes—get ready for those “wow” moments at the table!
How to Serve Roasted Red Pepper Cream Rigatoni with Feta
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of freshly crumbled feta is a must for that signature salty tang. Add ribbons of fresh basil or finely chopped parsley right before serving to bring a contrasting burst of color and a fresh finish. If you like a little more heat, a final pinch of red pepper flakes looks beautiful and wakes up the flavors of the whole plate.
Side Dishes
This pasta sings alongside a simple green salad with lemony vinaigrette or a platter of roasted vegetables. Crusty bread or warm garlic knots are perfect for mopping up any extra sauce—don’t let a single, luscious drop go to waste! For a fun twist, pair Roasted Red Pepper Cream Rigatoni with Feta with marinated olives or a tangy cucumber salad for true Mediterranean flair.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve Roasted Red Pepper Cream Rigatoni with Feta family-style in a beautiful pasta bowl garnished with extra herbs and cheese. For date night, portion into shallow bowls and drizzle a little high-quality olive oil over the top. Hosting a crowd? Offer a DIY pasta bar where everyone can sprinkle on their favorite garnishes, from toasted pine nuts to extra chili flakes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Roasted Red Pepper Cream Rigatoni with Feta, simply let it cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep happily in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen a bit as it sits—making lunchtime leftovers something to look forward to!
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, try freezing the sauce and pasta separately, then combine when ready to reheat for the freshest taste and best texture.
Reheating
Reheat Roasted Red Pepper Cream Rigatoni with Feta gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water, milk, or cream to loosen up the sauce as it warms. Stir frequently until heated through, and top with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of feta to recapture its just-cooked appeal.
FAQs
Can I use jarred roasted red peppers instead of roasting my own?
Absolutely! Jarred roasted red peppers are a wonderful shortcut—just drain and pat them dry before blending. You’ll still get the sweet, smoky flavor with less prep, making Roasted Red Pepper Cream Rigatoni with Feta even more weeknight-friendly.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Roasted Red Pepper Cream Rigatoni with Feta is naturally vegetarian. To make it vegan, swap the heavy cream for a plant-based alternative (like oat or cashew cream) and use a tangy vegan feta cheese substitute.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While rigatoni shines in this dish for its sauce-catching structure, you can use penne, ziti, or even fusilli. Go with your pasta of choice; the creamy red pepper sauce flatters just about any variety.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce as it simmers. Taste as you go, so you get the perfect level of heat that suits your style.
What protein can I add to make it heartier?
For extra protein, toss in some grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or white beans at the end. Each pairs beautifully with the creamy, slightly tangy sauce in Roasted Red Pepper Cream Rigatoni with Feta.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that brings together vibrant color, bold flavor, and pure comfort, Roasted Red Pepper Cream Rigatoni with Feta checks every box. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at just how much joy a simple plate of pasta can deliver. Gather your favorite people, serve it hot, and watch it disappear!