Pretty in Pink Pasta
Indulge in the creamy decadence of Pretty in Pink Pasta, a visually stunning and flavor-packed dish that transforms simple pantry staples into a restaurant-worthy meal. This recipe features tender penne pasta cloaked in a luscious pink sauce, created by blending rich heavy cream with tangy crushed tomatoes. Aromatic garlic and sautéed onions add depth, while freshly grated Parmesan cheese elevates every bite with its savory, nutty taste. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes offers a touch of heat, perfectly balanced by the freshness of chopped basil. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy-to-make pasta is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy romantic dinner. Discover the magic of a one-pan pink sauce pasta that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 14 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 4 quarts water
- 1 tbsp salt for pasta water
Instructions
In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water, then add the penne pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until translucent.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet and stir well to combine with the onion and garlic. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Gently stir in the heavy cream, allowing the sauce to turn a beautiful pink color. Lower the heat to medium-low and add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for another 3-4 minutes.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until fully melted and incorporated. If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Toss the cooked pasta with the pink sauce in the skillet, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Serve warm and enjoy your Pretty in Pink Pasta with extra Parmesan on the side, if desired!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
516 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.9 g | 43% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.6 g | 88% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 80 mg | 27% | |
| Sodium | 2351 mg | 102% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 36.4 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.3 g | ||
| Protein | 15.1 g | 30% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 346 mg | 27% | |
| Iron | 1.3 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 393 mg | 8% | |
*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.
