Print

Pink Sauce Pasta

Pink Sauce Pasta

Pink Sauce Pasta is a creamy, tangy, and flavorful pasta dish featuring a luscious pink-hued sauce made from the perfect blend of tomato and cream. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe offers a quick, fuss-free meal with a vibrant twist, ideal for busy weeknights or any time comfort food is desired.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Base

  • 8 oz penne, fusilli, or preferred pasta shape
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup good-quality canned tomato sauce or passata

Sauce and Seasoning

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later.
  2. Prepare the Sauce Base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Add Tomato Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce or passata, stir well, and let it simmer gently for a few minutes to deepen the flavor and reduce slightly.
  4. Stir in the Cream: Reduce heat to low and slowly add heavy cream to the tomato base, stirring continuously until the sauce turns a uniform pink color and becomes creamy and smooth.
  5. Season and Combine: Add salt, pepper, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to taste. Stir well, then toss in the cooked pasta. Mix thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly, using reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Finish by adding fresh basil leaves for aroma and color. Serve the pasta hot and enjoy immediately for the best flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic and high-quality tomato sauce for the best flavor and vibrant pink color.
  • Cook pasta al dente to ensure optimal texture and sauce absorption.
  • Add Parmesan cheese gradually to prevent clumping and achieve a silky sauce.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without thinning the creaminess.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to achieve the desired texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: pink sauce pasta, creamy pasta, tomato cream sauce, quick pasta recipe, easy dinner