Now that we have our ingredients, let’s get cooking. Here’s how to bring this delicious sauce to life in simple but effective steps.

In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallots and sauté until they soften and become translucent, around 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic, and continue cooking for another minute. This combination awakens your kitchen with a tantalizing scent.

Next, add the tomato paste. Stir it into the onion and garlic mixture. Let it cook for about 2 minutes. This step helps to caramelize the paste slightly, which adds an extra layer of flavor to the sauce.

Once you’ve roasted the peppers, it’s time to add them to the mixture. If you’re a fan of versatility, feel free to add more or less based on your taste. Stir everything well to combine, and let the peppers heat through for about 3 minutes.

Once your mixture is warm, transfer it to a blender. Add the heavy cream (or whole milk), lemon juice, smoked paprika, basil, and black pepper. Blend until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. If you like a chunkier texture, blend it less.

Once smooth, pour the sauce back into the saucepan. Over low heat, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted. It thickens and introduces a delightful nuttiness. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. This is your moment to make it perfect!