This Bucatini with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce and Shrimp is a perfect combination of tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a luscious, creamy sauce. The roasted red peppers bring a smoky depth of flavor, while the Parmesan cheese adds a savory richness.
This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The vibrant colors and delightful flavors will impress your guests, and the creamy sauce is simply irresistible. You can even make it ahead and reheat for a fuss-free dinner.
Full Recipe:
1 lb bucatini pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 red bell pepper, roasted and chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions:
Cook the bucatini pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the roasted red pepper, tomato paste, and garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Add the cooked bucatini to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Stir in the shrimp and cook for 2 minutes to warm through.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 550 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Bucatini with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce and Shrimp
Bucatini with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce and Shrimp is a stunningly flavorful pasta dish that brings together the best of Italian comfort cooking and seafood elegance. This recipe is ideal for those who appreciate bold flavors, creamy sauces, and a satisfying texture in their pasta. It combines bucatini, a thick and hollow pasta, with a silky red pepper and Parmesan-based cream sauce, topped with juicy, perfectly sautéed shrimp. The result is a balanced, indulgent dish that’s as fitting for a quick weeknight meal as it is for a romantic dinner or special gathering.
Bucatini is often favored for its unique texture and ability to soak up sauces due to its center hole. It’s thicker than spaghetti but not quite as bulky as rigatoni, making it the perfect vessel for creamy sauces like the one featured in this recipe. The roasted red pepper cream sauce adds a sweet, smoky undertone that complements the delicate brininess of shrimp. Combined with garlic, Parmesan, and fresh parsley, every bite becomes a luxurious explosion of flavors.
Why Roasted Red Peppers Make a Difference
Roasted red peppers are one of those magical ingredients that elevate even the simplest dishes into gourmet-level meals. When peppers are roasted, their natural sugars caramelize, creating a sweetness that balances out the smoky char. This transformation makes them the perfect base for sauces, soups, or even as a spread. In this dish, they’re blended into a creamy sauce with tomato paste and cream, delivering a velvety texture and rich, layered flavor.
Another advantage of using roasted red peppers is their versatility and accessibility. You can roast them yourself for an even deeper flavor, or opt for jarred roasted peppers to save time. Either way, their taste is distinctive and adds both color and complexity to the final presentation.
The Role of Shrimp in the Dish
Shrimp is the perfect protein for this dish because it cooks quickly and doesn’t overpower the flavor of the sauce. Instead, it brings a mild, sweet taste and a firm texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, creamy sauce and slightly chewy pasta. When seasoned with just salt and pepper, shrimp lets the other elements shine while still holding its own on the plate.
Shrimp is also rich in protein, low in fat, and contains valuable nutrients like selenium, B12, and iodine. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking to include lean protein in their meals while still indulging in comfort food. The shrimp is lightly sautéed in olive oil until just pink and then folded into the pasta to absorb the sauce’s essence without losing its own character.
Why Bucatini Is the Perfect Pasta Choice
Bucatini isn’t as common as penne or spaghetti, but once you try it, you’ll understand why chefs love it. Its hollow center allows sauces to fill the noodle, so you’re not just getting flavor on the outside—you’re experiencing it in every bite. This is particularly effective for a creamy sauce, as the richness gets locked inside each strand, making every mouthful more indulgent.
Because of its thickness, bucatini also holds up well to bold sauces and hearty additions like shrimp. It doesn’t get soggy easily and maintains a satisfying al dente bite even when tossed with heavier ingredients. If you don’t have bucatini, you can substitute with spaghetti or linguine, but the texture won’t be quite the same.
Tips for Perfecting This Recipe
To ensure that the dish reaches its full potential, a few tips can make a big difference. First, don’t overcook the shrimp. Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery and loses its sweet, tender texture. Sauté them quickly—just until they turn pink and curl into a ‘C’ shape—and remove them from the pan immediately.
Second, if you’re making the roasted red pepper sauce from scratch, take the time to really char the skins of the peppers. This adds a deep, smoky flavor that jarred versions sometimes lack. Peel them thoroughly and blend with garlic, tomato paste, and cream until smooth.
Third, when cooking the pasta, make sure it’s boiled in well-salted water. This is the only chance to season the pasta itself, which enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Also, don’t rinse the pasta after draining. The starch on the surface helps the sauce adhere better.
Finally, once everything is mixed, let the pasta sit for a minute or two in the sauce on low heat. This allows the bucatini to absorb more flavor and gives the dish a cohesive, creamy finish.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully versatile, so don’t be afraid to make it your own. You can swap the shrimp for grilled chicken, scallops, or even tofu if you’re looking for a vegetarian or plant-based alternative. Want to make it dairy-free? Use a plant-based cream and dairy-free Parmesan.
You can also spice things up by adding crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or sautéing the shrimp with a pinch of smoked paprika. Want to add greens? Spinach, kale, or even peas would make a great addition and boost the nutritional value of the dish.
Gluten-free? Use your favorite gluten-free pasta alternative and make sure your Parmesan is aged (which typically makes it safe for those with lactose intolerance).
Pairing Suggestions
Pairing this dish with the right beverage or side dish can take it from great to unforgettable. For wine lovers, a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works wonderfully, cutting through the richness of the cream and highlighting the sweetness of the shrimp. If you prefer red, go for a light-bodied one like Pinot Noir.
For sides, a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the creaminess of the pasta. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices are perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce. You could also serve grilled or roasted vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or mushrooms to round out the meal.
Why This Dish Is Great for Entertaining
Bucatini with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce and Shrimp is the kind of dish that looks fancy but is actually quite simple to prepare. It’s great for dinner parties, date nights, or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The vibrant red hue of the sauce, the glistening shrimp, and the spiral strands of pasta make it a visual showstopper.
Because you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and just cook the pasta and shrimp when you’re ready to serve, it’s also a stress-free choice for entertaining. You can even keep it warm in a covered skillet and serve directly at the table for a rustic, inviting presentation.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Value
While creamy pasta dishes are often viewed as indulgent, this recipe has several nutritious elements. Shrimp is low in calories and high in protein, making it a great lean source of essential nutrients. Roasted red peppers provide antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamin C, while garlic offers immune-boosting properties.
Using olive oil instead of butter adds heart-healthy fats, and opting for whole wheat bucatini can increase the fiber content. Plus, the dish is so rich in flavor that even a small portion feels satisfying, helping with portion control.
Conclusion
Bucatini with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce and Shrimp is more than just a pasta recipe—it’s an experience of bold, comforting flavors with a touch of elegance. From the creamy, smoky sauce to the tender, juicy shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta, it hits all the right notes. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just indulging in a well-deserved solo dinner, this dish offers a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss.
It’s a celebration of Italian culinary simplicity, elevated with modern twists that make it unique and unforgettable. Once you’ve tried it, it’s sure to earn a permanent place in your kitchen rotation.
Let your readers know: if they’re looking for a meal that delivers flavor, visual appeal, and ease in one beautiful plate, Bucatini with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce and Shrimp is the answer.