Bucatini with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce and Shrimp: A Flavorful Italian Delight

Sharing is caring!

Introduction

When it comes to Italian cuisine, pasta dishes are always at the heart of the table. Bucatini with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce and Shrimp is a mouthwatering dish that brings together the smoky sweetness of roasted red peppers, the richness of garlic-infused olive oil, and the succulent tenderness of shrimp. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or an elegant meal to impress guests.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making this restaurant-worthy dish at home. You’ll learn about essential ingredients, variations, pro tips, and why this pasta dish deserves a spot on your dinner menu.

---

What Is This Recipe?

Bucatini with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce and Shrimp is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that blends the sweetness of roasted red peppers with the briny goodness of shrimp. The bucatini pasta, known for its hollow center, perfectly holds onto the rich sauce, making every bite delightful.

Unlike traditional marinara or Alfredo sauces, the roasted red pepper sauce adds a unique depth of flavor, enhanced by garlic, onion, and a touch of spice. It’s an easy yet impressive dish that brings the essence of Italian coastal flavors to your home kitchen.

---

Essential Ingredients

To create the perfect Bucatini with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce and Shrimp, you’ll need:

• Bucatini pasta – A thick, hollow pasta that holds sauce beautifully.
• Red bell peppers – Roasted for a smoky-sweet flavor.
• Shrimp – Fresh or frozen, deveined and peeled.
• Garlic – Adds depth and aroma to the sauce.
• Onion – Enhances the sweetness of the peppers.
• Olive oil – For sautéing and adding richness.
• Parmesan cheese – For a creamy, umami boost.
• Crushed red pepper flakes – Adds a mild heat (optional).
• Heavy cream (optional) – For a silkier texture.
• Fresh basil – For a fresh, aromatic finish.
• Salt and black pepper – To season the dish perfectly.

Alternative Ingredients

If you need substitutions, try these options:

• Pasta: Swap bucatini with spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
• Vegan Option: Replace shrimp with grilled mushrooms or tofu.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
• Extra Protein: Add grilled chicken or scallops instead of shrimp.

---

On the Table

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings	Yield
15 minutes	25 minutes	40 minutes	4 servings	4 plates

---

Key Features

• ✅ Restaurant-quality pasta at home
• ✅ Rich, smoky, and slightly spicy sauce
• ✅ Perfect balance of seafood and creamy texture
• ✅ Easy to customize with different proteins and pasta types
• ✅ Great for weeknight dinners or special occasions

---

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fats	Fiber
450 kcal	32g	50g	12g	6g

---

Directions: Step-by-Step Guide to Making Bucatini with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce and Shrimp

To ensure your Bucatini with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce and Shrimp turns out perfectly every time, let’s break down each step in detail. From roasting the peppers to combining the final dish, follow these instructions for a restaurant-quality pasta experience at home.

---

Step 1: Roast the Red Peppers

Roasting red bell peppers enhances their natural sweetness and gives the sauce a deep, smoky flavor. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If using a broiler, set it to high.
2. Prepare the peppers: Wash the red bell peppers thoroughly and pat them dry. Leave them whole for even roasting.
3. Arrange on a baking sheet: Place the whole peppers on a lined baking tray, ensuring they are spaced out.
4. Roast until charred: Bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through. The skin should blister and blacken.
5. Steam and peel: Once roasted, transfer the peppers to a bowl and cover them with plastic wrap or a plate for about 10 minutes. The steam will loosen the skin, making it easier to peel.
6. Remove the skin and seeds: Peel off the charred skin, cut the peppers open, and remove the seeds. Set aside.

💡 Pro Tip: You can also roast the peppers directly over a gas stove flame, turning them with tongs until evenly charred.

---

Step 2: Cook the Bucatini Pasta

1. Boil water: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt.
2. Add bucatini: Drop the pasta into the boiling water and stir to prevent sticking.
3. Cook until al dente: Follow the package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, ensuring the pasta remains firm yet tender.
4. Reserve pasta water: Before draining, scoop out 1 cup of pasta water—this helps adjust the sauce consistency later.
5. Drain and set aside: Transfer the cooked bucatini to a bowl and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent clumping.

💡 Pro Tip: Do not rinse the pasta after draining; this removes the starch that helps the sauce cling to the noodles.

---

Step 3: Prepare the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

1. Blend the sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted red peppers, garlic, onion, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Blend until smooth.
2. Sauté the base: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the blended red pepper mixture and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Season the sauce: Stir in salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. If using, add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar for extra depth.
4. Make it creamy (optional): Pour in ¼ cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes silky and rich.
5. Adjust the consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches the desired texture.

💡 Pro Tip: If you prefer a chunkier sauce, pulse the mixture instead of fully blending it.

---

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

1. Heat oil in a pan: In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Sauté garlic: Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Cook the shrimp: Place the shrimp in the pan in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
4. Season well: Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
5. Combine with sauce: Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to the red pepper sauce and stir gently.

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid overcooking shrimp, as they become rubbery. Remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink.

---

Step 5: Combine Everything and Serve

1. Toss the pasta: Add the drained bucatini to the pan with the sauce and shrimp.
2. Mix well: Use tongs to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce, ensuring each strand absorbs the flavors.
3. Final seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add a pinch of salt, more Parmesan, or extra red pepper flakes for spice.
4. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil, grated Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil for a restaurant-style finish.

💡 Pro Tip: Let the pasta sit for 2 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

---

Enjoy Your Bucatini with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce and Shrimp!

Now, you have a rich, flavorful pasta dish that’s easy to make yet impressive enough for special occasions. Pair it with garlic bread or a crisp side salad for the ultimate Italian meal experience!

---

Pro Tips for a Perfect Bucatini with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce and Shrimp

Making Bucatini with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce and Shrimp at home is easy, but a few expert techniques can take it from good to restaurant-quality. Follow these pro tips to ensure your pasta is perfectly cooked, the sauce is silky and flavorful, and the shrimp is juicy every time.

1. Choose High-Quality Ingredients

The key to an outstanding dish starts with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Use fresh shrimp, high-grade olive oil, and ripe red bell peppers for the best flavor. If possible, opt for imported Italian bucatini pasta to get that authentic texture.

2. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp

Shrimp cooks incredibly fast—usually in 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking will make them rubbery and dry. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, remove them from heat. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.

3. Roast the Peppers for Maximum Flavor

Roasting red peppers deepens their sweetness and adds a smoky touch. Make sure to char the skin evenly, either in the oven at 425°F (220°C) or directly over a gas flame. Let them steam for 10 minutes after roasting to make peeling easier.

4. Save Pasta Water for a Silky Sauce

Before draining the bucatini, reserve at least 1 cup of pasta water. Adding this starchy water to the sauce helps it cling better to the pasta, creating a smooth and creamy texture without thinning it too much.

5. Blend the Sauce to Your Preferred Consistency

For a silky-smooth sauce, use a blender to puree the roasted peppers, onion, and garlic completely. If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse the ingredients instead of blending fully.

6. Balance the Flavors

Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. If the sauce is too sweet from the peppers, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice for balance. If you want extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes.

7. Let the Pasta Rest Before Serving

Once everything is combined, let the pasta sit for 2-3 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and results in a richer, more cohesive dish.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a unique twist on traditional pasta dishes.
• The roasted red pepper sauce is creamy, smoky, and slightly sweet.
• Perfectly balanced with shrimp for a seafood lover’s dream.
• It’s easy to make yet elegant enough for a dinner party.
• Customizable with different proteins or pasta types.

---

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

Unlike traditional pasta sauces, Bucatini with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce and Shrimp stands out with its bold, smoky-sweet flavors, seafood pairing, and silky sauce texture. The roasted red peppers create a depth of flavor that is hard to match, and the bucatini pasta holds onto every bit of that creamy sauce.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it okay to use frozen shrimp in this recipe?
Yes! Be sure to thaw them completely and gently pat them dry before cooking to achieve the best texture and flavor.

2. How can I make the sauce spicier?
Enhance the heat by sprinkling in extra crushed red pepper flakes or stirring in a splash of your favorite hot sauce.

3. What can I serve with this pasta?
A fresh side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair beautifully.

4. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Keep it fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

---

You’ll Also Love

• Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
• Spaghetti with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
• Seafood Linguine with White Wine Sauce

---

Conclusion

Bucatini with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce and Shrimp is a must-try dish for anyone who loves bold Italian flavors. The combination of roasted red peppers, garlic, shrimp, and creamy sauce makes this pasta dish an instant favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.

Don’t forget to share your creations with #BeesRecipes on Instagram. We can’t wait to see your delicious take on this Italian delight!