Pink Sauce Pasta
Indulge in the creamy bliss of Pink Sauce Pasta, a vibrant and comforting dish that combines the tangy richness of a tomato-based sauce with the velvety smoothness of heavy cream. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, featuring al dente penne tossed in a luscious pink sauce made with crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, fresh garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Aromatic basil leaves add a refreshing herbal note, while a hint of crushed red pepper lends subtle heat to balance the creaminess. Ready in just 30 minutes, this crowd-pleasing pasta recipe not only satisfies cravings but also impresses with its irresistible flavor and visual appeal. Serve with extra Parmesan on top for the ultimate comfort food experience.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 g penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 pieces garlic cloves
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 400 g canned crushed tomatoes
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 60 g Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 10 leaves fresh basil leaves
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add crushed red pepper flakes and sauté for an additional 30 seconds to combine with the garlic.
Mix in the tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the paste turns slightly darker in color.
Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
Lower the heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to create a smooth and pink sauce.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper, stirring well to incorporate and melt the cheese.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the sauce. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
Once the pasta is well-coated with the sauce, remove the skillet from the heat.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Toss lightly to combine the basil with the pasta.
Serve the pink sauce pasta immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on the side, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
480 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.0 g | 37% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.2 g | 71% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 65 mg | 22% | |
| Sodium | 885 mg | 38% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 38.7 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.4 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.7 g | ||
| Protein | 13.1 g | 26% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 199 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 1.7 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 327 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
