Pink Sauce Pasta

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Pink Sauce Pasta

A rich and creamy tomato-based sauce blended with butter, garlic, and parmesan, served over perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is simple, comforting, and absolutely delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes!
✔ Restaurant-Style Creaminess – The perfect balance between tomato sauce and cream.
✔ Versatile – Add chicken, shrimp, or veggies to make it heartier.
✔ Kid-Friendly – Creamy and mild, making it a family favorite.

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (or diced tomatoes)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half & half for a lighter version)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste (for extra richness)
  • Fresh basil (for garnish)

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz penne pasta (or any pasta of choice)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)

How to Make Pink Sauce Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  • Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Make the Pink Sauce

  • In a large pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
  • Add garlic and onion, sauté until fragrant and softened (about 2 minutes).
  • Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning.
  • Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Add the Cream & Cheese

  • Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream until fully combined.
  • Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it.

4. Toss & Serve

  • Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
  • Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Pink Sauce Pasta

✅ Use high-quality tomatoes – They enhance the richness of the sauce.
✅ Fresh Parmesan makes a difference – Pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly.
✅ Adjust thickness – Use pasta water to thin out the sauce if needed.
✅ Add protein – Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or pancetta for extra heartiness.

Storage & Reheating

✔ Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
✔ Reheat: Warm in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
✔ Not freezer-friendly – Cream-based sauces tend to separate after freezing.

Final Thoughts

This Pink Sauce Pasta is simple yet luxurious, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or a special date night meal. The creamy tomato sauce pairs beautifully with any pasta shape, and you can customize it with your favorite add-ins!

Let me know if you try this – enjoy! 😊

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