If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Burrata & Herbs Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture linguine cloaked in a luscious, velvety sauce made from sweet roasted red peppers, enriched with a touch of cream and parmesan, then topped with the ooey-gooey magic of fresh burrata cheese and fragrant herbs. This recipe beautifully balances bold flavors and creamy textures to create a meal that’s both comforting and elegant, perfect for sharing with friends or making any night feel special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about this recipe is how it relies on simple, fresh ingredients that work together harmoniously to create vibrant flavors and a gorgeous depth of color. Each component, from the fresh herbs to the creamy burrata, plays a key role in elevating this dish to something truly memorable.
- ¼ cup olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the shallots and peppers to perfection.
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced: Bring a mild sweetness and delicate onion flavor without overpowering the sauce.
- 2 lbs red bell peppers, stemmed and thinly sliced: The star ingredient, roasted in the pot to create that vibrant red sauce.
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme: Fresh, earthy notes that elevate the flavor profile.
- 2 sprigs fresh oregano: Adds a herbal brightness that complements the peppers beautifully.
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary: Infuses the sauce with a piney, aromatic quality.
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout and balancing flavors.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Gives the sauce a warm, savory punch.
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar: Introduces a tangy sweetness that deepens the red pepper flavor.
- 1 ½ cups vegetable stock: Creates the base of the sauce, adding body without heaviness.
- 1 lb linguine: The perfect pasta to soak up the creamy pepper sauce.
- ¼ cup heavy cream: Brings a luscious creaminess that makes the sauce irresistible.
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish: Adds umami and a subtle nutty finish.
- ½ cup packed parsley leaves, finely chopped: Adds freshness and a burst of green color.
- 1 (8 oz) ball burrata cheese: The crowning jewel, melting on top for ooey-gooey indulgence.
How to Make Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Burrata & Herbs Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Shallots and Peppers
Start by heating olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced shallots and sauté until they turn golden and fragrant, which releases a gentle sweetness perfect for the sauce base. Next, toss in the red bell peppers along with the fresh thyme, oregano, and rosemary. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook everything slowly until the peppers soften and caramelize, about 15 to 18 minutes, stirring often so they don’t stick or burn. This slow cooking brings out the natural sweetness and deepens the flavor of the peppers beautifully.
Step 2: Add Garlic, Balsamic, and Stock
Once the peppers are soft and beautifully caramelized, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in the balsamic vinegar, letting it bubble briefly to add a sweet and tangy depth. Follow with the vegetable stock, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let this meld together on medium-low heat for 5 minutes, which allows the herbs and vinegar to infuse the sauce with an irresistible complexity.
Step 3: Cook and Drain the Linguine
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and drop in your linguine. Cook it until just shy of al dente, about one minute less than the package instructions, so the pasta finishes cooking perfectly when tossed with the sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 4: Blend the Sauce and Add Cream
Remove the herb sprigs from the sauce, then carefully transfer it in batches to a blender. Blend for at least 90 seconds until the sauce is luxuriously smooth and creamy, no chunky bits left in sight. Return the sauce to the pot and stir in the heavy cream, which makes the sauce velvety and rich without overpowering the bright pepper flavor.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Cheese
Add the linguine back to the pot with the creamy red pepper sauce. Sprinkle in the grated parmesan cheese, then gently stir over low heat for about a minute to coat every strand in the luscious sauce and allow the cheese to melt perfectly. Lastly, fold in the finely chopped parsley, a fresh pop of color and flavor that brightens every bite.
Step 6: Plate and Add Burrata
Spoon the pasta into individual bowls or onto a large serving platter. Tear the burrata cheese into pieces and scatter it generously over the top. Drizzle with a little olive oil, sprinkle with extra parmesan, freshly cracked black pepper, and any leftover fresh herbs. The creamy burrata adds an indulgent layer that melts slightly over the warm pasta, making this dish feel even more special.
How to Serve Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Burrata & Herbs Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Burrata & Herbs Recipe to the next level, fresh garnishes are key. More parmesan cheese is always welcome, lending salty depth. Sprinkle with extra fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or oregano to bring vibrant aroma and color. A few cracks of black pepper add a subtle spicy kick, and a drizzle of good-quality olive oil finishes the dish with a silky sheen.
Side Dishes
This pasta shines as a main, but pairing it with simple sides can round out your meal. Try a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess or crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that incredible sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini also make fresh, healthy complements that keep everything balanced and wholesome.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider serving this Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Burrata & Herbs Recipe in individual shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant colors and the burrata’s melting decadence. Garnish each plate with sprigs of fresh herbs and a light drizzle of chili oil for a modern, restaurant-style touch. Alternatively, serve family-style on a large platter surrounded by lemon wedges and herb sprigs so everyone can dive in and customize to taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the burrata, it’s best to keep the cheese separate and add it fresh when reheating to maintain that creamy texture.
Freezing
The sauce itself freezes well on its own. Pour the creamy red pepper sauce into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating and tossing with freshly cooked pasta.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable stock or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving burrata to preserve its creamy texture—add fresh burrata when serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape for this recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine is perfect for holding the creamy sauce, feel free to use fettuccine, penne, or even farfalle. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente and toss it well to coat with the sauce.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! This dish is completely vegetarian, especially if you use vegetable stock. The parmesan cheese and burrata cheese add wonderful depth and richness without any meat.
Can I make this dish vegan?
You can make a vegan version by substituting the heavy cream with a plant-based cream like cashew cream, using nutritional yeast instead of parmesan, and skipping the burrata or replacing it with a vegan cheese alternative.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
From start to finish, expect about 35 to 45 minutes. Most of the time is spent slowly cooking the peppers to develop that lovely caramelized flavor.
What’s the best way to roast the red peppers for the sauce?
This recipe gently cooks the peppers in the pot until soft and caramelized, which gives a beautiful flavor without needing to roast them in the oven. However, if you prefer, you can roast peppers under the broiler or on a grill first, then peel and slice them before starting the sauce.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Burrata & Herbs Recipe enough if you’re looking to impress yourself or your guests with a dish that’s both effortless and indulgently delicious. The blend of sweet roasted peppers, creamy parmesan sauce, fresh herbs, and that irresistible burrata will quickly make this one of your go-to comfort meals. Give it a try—it’s a total winner that feels like a celebration in every bite!
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Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Burrata & Herbs Recipe
A luscious linguine dish featuring a creamy, smooth red pepper sauce made from caramelized red bell peppers, herbs, and garlic, topped with fresh burrata cheese and vibrant herbs. This comforting and flavorful pasta pairs the sweetness of roasted peppers with the richness of cream and parmesan, finished with aromatic fresh herbs for a delightful Italian-inspired meal.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Sauce & Pasta
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 2 lbs (about 5 each) red bell peppers, stemmed and thinly sliced
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 sprigs fresh oregano
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 ½ cups vegetable stock
- 1 lb linguine
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- ½ cup packed parsley leaves, finely chopped
Topping
- 1 (8 oz) ball burrata cheese
- Extra olive oil, for drizzling
- Additional parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Extra freshly cracked black pepper
- Extra fresh herbs (thyme, oregano, parsley) for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Boil Pasta Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil to prepare for cooking the linguine.
- Sauté Shallots: Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add the thinly sliced shallots and sauté for about 2 minutes until they turn golden and fragrant.
- Cook Red Peppers & Herbs: Add the sliced red bell peppers along with fresh sprigs of thyme, oregano, and rosemary. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the peppers are soft and caramelized, about 15 to 18 minutes.
- Add Garlic, Vinegar & Stock: Stir in the minced garlic and balsamic vinegar and cook for an additional minute to deepen the flavors. Pour in the vegetable stock, bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook over medium-low heat for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook Linguine: While the sauce simmers, add the linguine to the boiling salted water. Cook for 1 minute less than the package instructions to keep the pasta al dente.
- Blend the Sauce: Remove the herb stems from the sauce and stir in the heavy cream. Carefully transfer the sauce to a blender and blend for at least 90 seconds until completely smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta & Sauce: Drain the linguine and return it to the pot. Pour the creamy red pepper sauce over the pasta and add ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese. Stir over low heat for about a minute until the pasta is evenly coated and the parmesan melts.
- Finish with Herbs: Stir in the finely chopped parsley leaves for fresh color and flavor.
- Plate and Garnish: Serve the pasta topped with torn pieces of burrata cheese. Drizzle with extra olive oil, sprinkle additional parmesan cheese, freshly cracked black pepper, and garnish with any remaining fresh herbs you have on hand for a beautiful presentation and extra flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality red bell peppers for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Caramelizing the peppers slowly is key to developing a rich, deep flavor in the sauce.
- Blending the sauce thoroughly ensures a silky texture that coats the pasta perfectly.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially after blending.
- Burrata adds a creamy finish but can be substituted with fresh mozzarella if unavailable.
- Reserve some pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning when combining with pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian