Ingredients
For the pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta (or your favorite shape)
- 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
For the pink sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup pasta water (to adjust the sauce)
For garnish (optional):
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Cracked black pepper
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta until al dente, according to the package instructions.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté the Garlic & Red Pepper Flakes
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the Tomato Base
- Stir in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Make it Creamy
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream.
- Mix well until the sauce turns into a beautiful pink hue.
5. Add Pasta & Cheese
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing until fully coated.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and ½ cup of reserved pasta water, adjusting for the perfect creamy consistency.
6. Garnish & Serve
- Remove from heat and garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, or cracked black pepper.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, creamy goodness!
Notes
Pro Tips for the Best Pink Sauce Pasta
🔥 Use fresh garlic – It gives the sauce a deep, rich flavor.
🍅 Choose quality tomato sauce – A good-quality canned tomato sauce or San Marzano tomatoes makes a difference.
🌿 Don’t skip the pasta water – It helps loosen the sauce while keeping it creamy.