Creamy Roasted Pepper Pasta Bake

Name: Creamy Roasted Pepper Pasta Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 4 capia peppers (or red bell peppers); 4 medium ripe tomatoes; 1 large onion (cut into quarters); 1 whole garlic bulb (just cut off the top); 2 –3 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: smoked paprika (oregano, chili flakes); 350 –400 g (12–14 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work great)); Salt for boiling water; 1 cup 240 ml reserved pasta water; Roasted peppers (tomatoes, onion, and garlic (from above)); A handful of fresh basil leaves (about 15–20 leaves); Additional salt (pepper, and chili flakes to taste); 100 g 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar, gouda, or your favorite melting cheese); 125 g 4.4 oz mozzarella balls (mini bocconcini or cut-up regular mozzarella); 2 handfuls of fresh spinach (about 50–70 g / 2 oz)

Sweet Family Meals

7 April 2025

A plate of fusilli pasta with creamy roasted red pepper sauce, garnished with fresh basil.

1 hour

super easy

Daily recipes Main Dish

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Creamy Roasted Pepper Pasta Bake

Creamy Roasted Pepper Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings out the best of Mediterranean-inspired ingredients in every bite. Roasted vegetables, fresh basil, spinach, and melty mozzarella come together in a creamy sauce that hugs every twist of pasta. This oven-baked pasta is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even a casual date night at home. It’s satisfying, veggie-packed, and easy to make ahead.

For more comforting meals, try my Fajita Chicken Mac & Cheese Recipe or Creamy Shrimp Pasta.

So, if all that sounds good to you, read on!

This roasted pepper pasta bake is one of those cozy, feel-good dishes that’s super easy to make and seriously delicious. It’s creamy, full of roasted veggie flavor, and has that perfect mix of cheesy and fresh, thanks to the mozzarella and basil. I love how the roasted peppers and garlic make the sauce taste like you put in way more effort than you actually did.

It’s great for a family dinner, meal prep, or even when you have friends over, just double the batch and you’re good to go. And the best part? Leftovers taste amazing the next day, maybe even better.

You can totally switch things up with this recipe too. Use whatever pasta you like, swap the cheese for your favorite kind, or throw in some extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini. It’s a flexible, no-stress kind of meal that still feels like something special.

Ingredients in Creamy Roasted Pepper Pasta Bake

Here’s what you need to make Creamy Roasted Pepper Pasta Bake:

Capia peppers: use whole peppers, roasted to bring out their natural sweetness.

Tomatoes: choose ripe ones for a rich, slightly sweet sauce base.

Onion: cut into quarters to roast evenly and add depth to the sauce.

Garlic bulb: roast it whole for a mild, caramelized garlic flavor.

Olive oil: drizzle over the veggies before roasting to enhance flavor.

Salt and pepper: season to taste, both during roasting and blending.

Smoked paprika / chili flakes / oregano (optional): use to add extra warmth or a bit of kick.

Pasta (penne, fusilli, rigatoni, etc.): pick your favorite shape to hold the sauce well.

Fresh basil leaves: blend into the sauce for freshness and aroma.

Spinach: stir into the pasta for extra color and nutrients.

Mozzarella balls: add creamy, melty texture when baked.

Grated cheese (like cheddar or gouda): sprinkle on top for a golden, bubbly crust.

Pasta water: reserve a bit to adjust the sauce’s consistency.

How to make Creamy Roasted Pepper Pasta Bake from scratch?

Step 1: Preparing the vegetables for the sauce
Cut the onion into quarters, then trim the stem of a whole garlic bulb, leaving the rest intact. Place the whole kapia peppers, tomatoes, quartered onion, and garlic bulb into a baking dish. Sprinkle your favorite seasonings over the vegetables and drizzle with a bit of olive oil. Bake everything in the oven at 190°C (375°F) until nicely roasted.

At the same time, boil the pasta according to the instructions on the package. Once cooked, save a cup of the pasta water and drain the rest.

Step 3: Making the sauce
Peel the roasted vegetables, remove the skins from the peppers, tomatoes, and garlic. Put them into a blender with some fresh basil leaves. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water and season to taste. Blend everything until you get a smooth, creamy sauce.

Step 4: Assembling the dish
First, grate the cheese. In a baking dish, add the cooked pasta and pour the sauce on top. Mix everything well, then add the spinach leaves and stir again. Add the mozzarella balls and sprinkle grated cheese on top.

Step 5: Final baking
Place the dish in the oven at 190°C (375°F) and bake until the cheese is melted and slightly golden on top

And that’s it , super simple, super tasty! This creamy roasted pepper pasta bake is one of those recipes you’ll want to make on repeat. It’s cozy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Let me know if you try it, I’d love to hear how it turned out!

I’d love to know what you think if you give this a try! 🙂 – Angie

What goes with Creamy Roasted Pepper Pasta Bake?

This dish is satisfying on its own. However, you can easily pair it with some of the following:

One Pan Chicken & Chorizo Rice

Caramelized Chicken Wings

Watch how to make it

Follow along with this detailed, step-by-step video guide to discover just how simple and enjoyable it is to prepare this Creamy Roasted Pepper Pasta Bake!

The best part? It’s quick and easy, so you can impress your family or guests with a delicious homemade dish in no time! Grab your ingredients, hit play, and let’s get started!

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