Description
Pink Sauce Pasta brings together the brightness of tomatoes and the richness of cream in a smooth, balanced sauce that coats every bite. It’s a quick, reliable dish made with pantry staples and simple technique. Perfect for weeknights, it delivers a creamy texture without feeling heavy. You can start with a ready base like this Marinara Sauce Recipe for even faster results.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
- Pour in marinara sauce and let it simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened and well blended.
- Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream gradually, mixing until the sauce turns a smooth pink color.
- Add butter and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce becomes glossy and slightly thick.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
- Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using. Finish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother melt and better flavor.
- Adjust cream quantity to make the sauce lighter or richer.
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables for variation.
- If the sauce thickens too much, loosen it with a splash of pasta water.
Nutrition
- Array