Cook pasta: Start by boiling a pot of salted water and add your pasta of choice. Cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water before draining.

Sauté onion: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent.

Add garlic: Toss in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until golden.

Blend sauce: In a blender, combine roasted red peppers, heavy cream, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.

Combine: Pour sauce into the skillet with cooked onion and garlic. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, adding reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.

Toss pasta: Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss until coated with sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese, if using.

Garnish: Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil.