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Pink Sauce Pasta

Pink Sauce Pasta

Pink Sauce Pasta is a comforting and vibrant Italian-inspired dish featuring a creamy sauce made from tomato puree and heavy cream, blended with parmesan and fresh herbs. It offers the perfect balance of tangy and smooth flavors, comes together in under 30 minutes, and is versatile enough for any meal occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 250g penne, rigatoni, or pasta of your choice

Sauce

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream or fresh cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil or Italian herbs, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and reserve some pasta water. Set pasta aside.
  2. Prepare the Sauce Base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, allowing the oil to absorb the garlic flavor.
  3. Add Tomato Puree: Pour in the tomato puree or crushed tomatoes, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and cook for 5-7 minutes to thicken the sauce and meld flavors.
  4. Stir in Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat and gradually add the heavy cream while stirring continuously to blend without curdling. Then add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and thoroughly incorporated for a silky texture.
  5. Season and Finish: Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir in fresh chopped basil or Italian herbs to release their aroma. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well, ensuring every piece of pasta is coated in the creamy pink sauce. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic, herbs, and cheese for best flavor and aroma.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and improve binding.
  • Simmer gently after adding cream to avoid curdling.
  • Adjust cream quantity to balance richness and tanginess.
  • Serve Pink Sauce Pasta fresh; store leftovers in airtight container refrigerated up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: pink sauce pasta, creamy tomato pasta, Italian pasta recipe, easy pasta dinner, quick pasta sauce