Pink Sauce Pasta
If you’re a pasta lover looking for something that’s both comforting and a little different, then this Pink Sauce Pasta recipe is calling your name! It’s the perfect combination of a rich, creamy sauce with just a hint of tang from the tomato paste. Pink sauce pasta, also known as “tomato cream sauce pasta,” is simple to make, comes together in under 30 minutes, and is sure to become a weeknight favorite. This easy pink sauce pasta recipe is the way to go!
Why Make This Pink Sauce Pasta
Rich and Creamy Flavor: The perfect combination of tomato’s tanginess and the richness of cream makes this sauce irresistibly smooth and flavorful. It’s a comforting dish that satisfies pasta cravings while offering a unique twist on traditional sauces.
Quick and Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and a simple cooking process, pink sauce pasta is ideal for busy weeknights. It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to recipe for both novice and experienced cooks.
Versatile and Customizable: Pink sauce pasta pairs well with a variety of add-ins, like chicken, shrimp, or veggies, and works with any pasta shape. You can easily customize it to fit your tastes or dietary needs, making it a favorite for the whole family!
Ingredients for Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe
- Spaghetti (or any pasta): This is the base of the dish. The pasta soaks up the creamy pink sauce, and its texture balances the richness of the sauce.
- Olive Oil and Unsalted Butter: These two fats create a rich, flavorful base for the sauce. Olive oil adds a smooth, fruity flavor, while butter gives extra creaminess and depth, making the sauce luxurious.
- Garlic: Minced garlic provides a strong, savory foundation. Its pungent aroma and flavor bring balance to the sweetness of the cream and tomatoes, adding depth to the dish.
- Tomato Paste: This ingredient gives the sauce its signature pink color by mixing the richness of the cream with the tanginess of tomatoes. It adds a concentrated, slightly sweet, and tangy tomato flavor without making the sauce too watery.
- Heavy Cream and Milk: The key to a smooth and creamy sauce! Heavy cream provides richness and thickness, while milk helps lighten the sauce slightly, preventing it from becoming too heavy.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the sauce. It also helps thicken the sauce, contributing to its silky texture.
- Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps to bind the sauce, making it cling to the pasta better. It also thins the sauce slightly without losing its creamy consistency, ensuring the sauce coats the pasta perfectly.
How to Make This Creamy Sauce Pasta
Step 1
Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking your spaghetti according to the package instructions. Don’t forget to reserve some of the pasta water before draining.
Step 2
Make the Base: In a large pan, heat up olive oil and butter. Add in the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Then, stir in the tomato paste and cook for about two minutes.
Step 3
Spice it Up: Add black pepper, chili flakes, and dried basil to the pan.
Step 4
Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the milk and stir to combine. Then, add the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Add the reserved pasta water to the sauce to achieve that perfect creamy consistency. Adjust the salt.
Step 5
Toss the Pasta: Add your cooked and drained pasta to the pink sauce. Toss until the spaghetti is fully coated in creamy, dreamy deliciousness.
Step 6
Serve: Top with extra parmesan cheese and freshly crushed black pepper, and serve immediately. Your restaurant-worthy pink pasta is ready to enjoy!
Variations and Substitutions
This Pink Sauce Pasta recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to tweak it to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
- Switch Up the Pasta: While spaghetti works great, you can use any pasta you love—penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni all soak up the creamy pink sauce beautifully.
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add some grilled chicken, shrimp, or even Italian sausage.
- Vegetarian Twist: Throw in veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted cherry tomatoes to give the dish extra color and texture.
- Lighten It Up: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or swap out the butter for more olive oil. You’ll still get a creamy sauce but with fewer calories.
Ideas for Serving Pink Sauce Pasta
- As a Main Course: Serve your pink sauce pasta as the star of the meal with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad. It’s a complete, comforting dish that’s sure to impress.
- Paired with Protein: Pink sauce pasta pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp. It makes for a balanced, satisfying dinner.
- As a Side Dish: This creamy pink pasta also works as a delicious side dish for larger meals, especially alongside Italian or Mediterranean-inspired mains.
Tips for the Best Pink Sauce Pasta
- Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: Adding pasta water to the sauce helps it cling to the pasta and makes everything smooth and velvety.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic elevates the sauce’s flavor, so don’t opt for pre-minced if you can help it!
- Taste as You Go: Adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process. Add more chili flakes if you want it spicier or extra parmesan if you love it cheesy.
How to Store It
Refrigerate: When the pasta cools store it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The creamy sauce will still maintain its flavor and texture during this time.
Reheat on the Stovetop: For the best texture, reheat the pasta in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce and stir until heated through.
Microwave: Alternatively, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally and adding a little milk or water to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.
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⭐PLEASE RATE AND REVIEW
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Pink Sauce Pasta
Ingredients
- 200 grams spaghetti or any pasta of your choice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes for a little kick!
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- 3 tablespoons parmesan cheese
- 5 minced garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the box instructions. Reserve ½ cups of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- In a large pan, melt butter and olive oil. Add garlic and cook briefly. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Then, add the remaining spices and mix well on medium-low heat.
- Pour the milk into the pan and stir. Then add the cream. Once mixed, add the parmesan and stir until combined.
- Now add the pasta water, and season with salt if necessary. Mix the mixture well and let it simmer for two minutes.
- Add the cooked and drained pasta to the creamy sauce, and mix until the pasta is well coated.
- Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and freshly crushed black pepper.
Video
Notes
- Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: Adding pasta water to the sauce helps it cling to the pasta and makes everything smooth and velvety.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic really elevates the flavor of the sauce, so don’t opt for pre-minced if you can help it!
- Taste as You Go: Adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process. Add more chili flakes if you want it spicier or extra parmesan if you love it cheesy.
