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Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe

Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 13 reviews
  • Author: Mary
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Add Red Pepper Flakes: If using, stir in the red pepper flakes to add a subtle heat to the sauce.
  4. Simmer Tomato Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  5. 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.
  6. Incorporate Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully combined, creating a creamy texture.
  7. Season Sauce: Season the sauce with salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences.
  8. 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.
  9. 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