Creamy Red Pepper Parmesan Pasta Food

ROASTED RED PEPPER PASTA

Steps:

• Heat a large pot of salted water over high heat. When it's boiling, cook the pasta according to package directions.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or dutch oven. Add the onion and cook it for 5 minutes or until translucent. Then add the garlic and cook it for 30 seconds. Then add the red pepper and stir it in.
• Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir continuously for 30 seconds. Add the milk and stir occasionally for 2 to 3 minutes or until it thickens. Then add 1/2 cup of the pasta water to the sauce and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens again.
• Remove the pot from the heat.
• Use an immersion blender or a blender to blitz the sauce so the bell pepper breaks down and the sauce is creamy. Add the sauce back to the pot.
• Add the parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir till it has melted.
• Divide the pasta between bowls and top with the optional additional parmesan and chopped basil.

CREAMY BASIL & RED PEPPER PASTA WITH PARMESAN

Steps:

• Cook pasta in large saucepan as directed on package, omitting salt.
• Meanwhile, process reduced-fat cream cheese and milk in food processor until blended. Add red peppers and 2 Tbsp. basil; process until blended.
• Drain pasta; return to pan. Add cream cheese mixture; mx lightly. Stir in mozzarella. Serve topped with remaining basil, Parmesan and black pepper.