Looking to add some excitement to your pasta night? Try this AMAZING pink sauce pasta recipe to kick up your dinner a notch or two.
You know I’m the QUEEN of pasta for easy and simple dinners, right?!
We do pasta at least once a week whether it’s my Five Cheese Pasta al Forno Recipe or my husband’s favorite Ground Turkey Spaghetti, or the kids’ fave Baked Spaghetti Casserole, we LOVE a good pasta recipe.
This pink pasta sauce recipe is perfect for literally ANY pasta! It pairs amazingly with lobster ravioli, my butternut squash ravioli, cheese tortellini, or even a basic box of angel hair. Although, my ALL time favorite is to serve this pink pasta sauce over store bought gnocchi….you’ll seriously feel like you’ve stepped into a high end restaurant!
The possibilities are endless with this pink sauce pasta recipe!
Combining the tanginess of tomato sauce with the lusciousness of cream, this vibrant dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the steps of creating a creamy and flavorful pink pasta sauce that will impress your family and friends. Get ready to dive into a pasta dish that is as visually appealing as it is delicious!
Table of Contents
Pink Pasta Sauce Recipes FAQs
What is pink sauce pasta?
Pink sauce pasta, also known as tomato cream sauce pasta, is a delightful dish that combines the tanginess of tomato sauce with the creaminess of heavy cream. The resulting sauce has a beautiful pink color and a rich, velvety texture.
Can I use any type of pasta for pink sauce pasta?
Yes, you can use your favorite type of pasta for pink sauce pasta. Popular choices include penne, fettuccine, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Choose a pasta shape that can hold the sauce well and complements the overall dish.
For a filling vegetarian meal, I like to pair this pink pasta sauce with potato gnocchi. It makes a hearty meal the whole family loves!
How can I make the pink sauce spicier or milder?
Adjusting the spiciness of the pink sauce is easy. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
Can I make a vegetarian or vegan version of pink sauce pasta?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, simply omit any meat-based ingredients. To make a vegan pink sauce pasta, use plant-based alternatives like vegan cream or non-dairy milk instead of heavy cream.
How can I store leftover pink sauce pasta?
If you have leftover pink sauce pasta, allow it to cool completely, and transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or milk to the pasta to restore the creaminess.
Can I freeze pink sauce pasta?
While it’s possible to freeze pink sauce pasta, the texture of the pasta may slightly change upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, it’s best to freeze the sauce separately without the pasta. Thaw the sauce overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it on the stovetop before tossing it with freshly cooked pasta.
Can I add other ingredients to my pink sauce pasta?
Absolutely! Pink sauce pasta serves as a versatile base, allowing you to experiment with various ingredients. You can add cooked chicken, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, shrimp, or any other favorite vegetables or proteins to enhance the flavor and texture of your dish.
What can I serve with pink sauce pasta?
Pink sauce pasta pairs well with a variety of sides. Some popular options include a simple green salad, garlic bread, bruschetta, or a side of roasted vegetables. Choose sides that complement the flavors of the pasta and add a contrasting element to the meal.
The Ingredients You’ll Need For an Amazing Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe
Begin by gathering the following ingredients for your pink sauce pasta adventure:
- 1 pound of your favorite pasta (penne, gnocchi, or lobster ravioli work well)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup of tomato sauce
- ½ cup of heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, torn (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions For Pink Pasta Sauce
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s jump into preparing your pink sauce pasta recipe:
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente perfection. Drain the pasta, but reserve about 1/4 cup of the cooking water.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they turn translucent and release a fragrant aroma. Be careful not to brown them.
Step 3: Prepare the Pink Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and add the tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, ensuring it’s well combined and heated throughout.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Pink Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the pink sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the pink sauce pasta to serving plates or bowls. Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves for a touch of freshness and added visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions for Pink Sauce Pasta
To make your pink sauce pasta experience even more enjoyable, consider pairing it with the following serving suggestions:
- Grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese sprinkled on top for an extra savory kick.
- A side of garlic bread or a crusty baguette to mop up the delicious sauce.
- A crisp green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette to complement the richness of the pasta.
Printable Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe
Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe
This pink pasta sauce recipe is a versatile dish that is so simple to make for busy nights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup cooking water.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add tomato sauce, heavy cream, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Add reserved cooking water if needed.
- Serve garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Notes
Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your preferred ingredients like cooked chicken, mushrooms, or spinach for added flavor and variety.
More Amazing Pasta Recipes to Try
