Description
This Pink Sauce Pasta is a delightful blend of creamy tomato sauce and tender pasta, perfect for a comforting and easy-to-make meal. The sauce combines garlic, onion, tomato sauce, and rich heavy cream to create a luscious pink hue and velvety texture. Topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, it’s a flavorful Italian-American main course ideal for weeknights or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Red Pepper Flakes: If using, stir in the red pepper flakes to add a subtle heat to the sauce.
- Simmer Tomato Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for another 2 minutes until the sauce turns a light pink color.
- Incorporate Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully combined, creating a creamy texture.
- Season Sauce: Season the sauce with salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat evenly with the pink sauce. Cook for 1-2 more minutes to allow the pasta to absorb some sauce.
- Serve: Serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version of the sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
- Add sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, or vegetables to increase protein and add variety.
- This sauce pairs well with any pasta shape, so feel free to experiment with your favorites.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg