Roasted Pepper and Feta Pasta

This quick and easy Roasted Pepper and Feta Pasta comes together in less than 15 minutes. The sauce itself doesn’t require any cooking and only uses 3 ingredients: jarred red peppers, feta and garlic. Add some rocket for freshness (and veg!) and you’ve got yourself a delicious midweek dinner. 

You can watch the full recipe video here.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Ingredient Breakdown: Roasted Pepper and Feta Pasta
• A No-Cook Sauce That Feels Luxurious
• Why Jarred Roasted Peppers Are a Game-Changer
• The Importance of Pasta Water
• Freshness Through Basil and Rocket
• Customising Your Roasted Pepper and Feta Pasta
• Why This Roasted Pepper and Feta Pasta Deserves a Spot in Your Rotation

Introduction

This roasted pepper and feta pasta is a shining example of how a few quality ingredients can create an exceptional meal with minimal effort. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a dish that balances creaminess with a slight tang from the feta, sweetness from the roasted red peppers, and a fresh peppery kick from rocket leaves. Whether you’re looking for a midweek meal or a dish to impress without the fuss, this pasta has got you covered.

Ingredient Breakdown: Roasted Pepper and Feta Pasta

• Dried pasta: Choose your favourite shape, whether it’s fusilli, penne, or spaghetti. This will be the base for soaking up all that rich, creamy sauce.
• Jarred roasted red peppers: These peppers are already cooked and bring a lovely sweetness to the dish. They help form the body of the sauce without needing any additional cooking.
• Feta: Creamy, salty, and tangy, feta works brilliantly as a counterpoint to the sweetness of the peppers.
• Garlic: Just one clove adds a necessary depth of flavour to balance the sauce.
• Fresh basil: Adds an aromatic, herbaceous note that lifts the sauce.
• Rocket leaves: These fresh, peppery greens complement the creamy sauce and add texture and a hint of bitterness.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: A drizzle of this adds richness and a silky finish to the pasta.
• Pink peppercorns (optional): These add a subtle spice and a hint of fruitiness. If you’ve never used pink peppercorns, this recipe is a great introduction.

A No-Cook Sauce That Feels Luxurious

The beauty of this Roasted Pepper and Feta Pasta lies in its simplicity. The sauce doesn’t require any cooking at all, making it perfect for those busy evenings when you don’t have time to stand over the stove for hours. By blending jarred roasted red peppers, feta, and garlic, you get a creamy yet tangy sauce that feels luxurious without the effort. This no-cook method also preserves the vibrant colour of the red peppers, making your dish look as good as it tastes.

The creamy feta lends the sauce its richness, while the garlic ensures it doesn’t fall flat. A single clove is all you need, as too much garlic could easily overpower the delicate balance of flavours. Once blitzed together, the sauce is ready to coat your pasta, with no need for simmering or reducing – just toss it in and go.

Why Jarred Roasted Peppers Are a Game-Changer

There’s a reason jarred roasted peppers have a permanent spot in my pantry – they’re an absolute time-saver and incredibly versatile. These peppers are roasted until charred and soft, then packed in oil or brine, preserving their sweet, smoky flavour. In this Roasted Pepper and Feta Pasta recipe, their sweetness helps balance the saltiness of the feta and the earthiness of the garlic.

What makes these peppers so special is that they bring depth of flavour without needing any extra work. You won’t need to roast them yourself, saving both time and effort. If you’ve ever roasted peppers from scratch, you’ll know how messy it can get – jarred ones allow you to skip all that, making this recipe even quicker.

If you have an extra roasted red peppers, why not try my Whole Roasted Cumin Cauliflower with Muhammara?

The Importance of Pasta Water

When cooking pasta, don’t forget to save a couple of ladles of that starchy cooking water. This is the secret weapon in transforming your sauce from good to great. The starch in the water helps to thicken the sauce, while its saltiness adds flavour. It’s also essential for achieving that glossy, restaurant-quality pasta coating.

As you toss the pasta with the sauce, gradually add some of the cooking water to help emulsify the sauce and pasta. The starchiness from the water binds everything together, making the sauce cling to each strand or piece of pasta. Don’t be shy about adding more water if needed – it’s what gives your sauce that perfect, silky texture.

Freshness Through Basil and Rocket

Once you’ve got your sauce and pasta nicely combined, it’s time to think about the finishing touches. Fresh basil and rocket are more than just a garnish here – they’re crucial for adding layers of flavour and texture. The basil brings a fragrant, almost sweet aroma to the dish, cutting through the richness of the sauce with its freshness.

Rocket, with its peppery bite, adds another dimension entirely. It brings both a textural contrast and a slightly bitter edge that keeps the pasta from becoming too heavy. Plus, it’s always a good idea to sneak some greens into your meal, especially when they work this well with the other flavours.

Customising Your Roasted Pepper and Feta Pasta

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be adapted to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas for customising the dish:

• Add protein: If you’re looking to make this a heartier meal, grilled chicken or prawns would pair perfectly with the creamy sauce. Alternatively, throw in some chickpeas or cannellini beans to keep things vegetarian while adding protein.
• Go veggie-heavy: While the rocket adds freshness, you could boost the veg content by adding sautéed courgettes or spinach. Even a handful of frozen peas tossed in at the end would work brilliantly.
• Make it spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of chilli flakes to the sauce or drizzle over some chilli oil before serving. It’ll bring a fiery kick to balance the creamy, sweet flavours.
• Switch up the cheese: While feta is ideal here, you could swap it for ricotta or goat’s cheese if you prefer a milder flavour. These cheeses will still provide the creaminess needed for the sauce but with a slightly different profile.

Why This Roasted Pepper and Feta Pasta Deserves a Spot in Your Rotation

There’s something about this roasted pepper and feta pasta that makes it more than just a weeknight dinner. It’s quick, simple, and packed with flavour, but it also feels special – like a dish you’d make for guests or to treat yourself. It’s proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create something memorable.

The combination of sweet roasted red peppers, salty feta, and fresh greens is a winning one, and the fact that you can have it on the table in 15 minutes makes it even better. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with someone else, this pasta delivers on both taste and convenience – the perfect balance.

Enjoy this one with a glass of wine, a sprinkle of pink peppercorns, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, and you’ve got yourself a pretty dreamy dinner indeed.