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)
Instructions
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!
Notes
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.