Skip to content

Pink Sauce Pasta

Indulge in this creamy and dreamy yet easy-to-craft pasta dish that professional chefs hide up their sleeve.

The other night, my family and I stood in the kitchen, debating about which kind of pasta we should have for dinner—something cheesy, or a classic red sauce. “Why not both?” I suggested. “Make a pink sauce!” In response, my mom snapped her fingers. “Good idea. Let’s do that.”

Pink sauce pasta is one of those dishes that looks, smells, and tastes fancy as heck, but is actually very easy to make. In 30 minutes, you’ll have a big, steamy skillet of pasta drenched in velvety tomato cream sauce. With a hint of spice and waves of garlic, this sauce has the potential to become a family favorite, if it isn’t already.

Also known as “blush sauce,” pink sauce is a creamy blend of tomato, herbs, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Oh, and a splash of white wine that elevates and harmonizes everything smoothly. The best part about this sauce is that you can use it with any kind of pasta—not just penne. My cousin’s favorite is rigatoni, but you can go with a longer pasta too like spaghetti or fettuccine. Ultimately, it’s up to you, and sometimes I even like to pour this sauce over quinoa for a protein-rich twist. Want to add more veggies like garlic mushrooms? That’s a yummy option, too. Explore the creative possibilities and enjoy them to the fullest!

Why use white wine?

As I mentioned, adding white wine elevates and harmonizes the flavors of this sauce. But there’s a more scientific explanation for its incorporation as well. When white wine is poured over sautéed onion and garlic, it deglazes the pan, releasing the flavorful browned bits from the pan’s surface. This ensures a tasty base for the tomato sauce and heavy cream, which come together to form pink sauce. What you’re left with is a creamy and slightly tangy sauce that goes best on pasta, but can be included in all kinds of dishes.

How do I store leftovers?

Once cooled to room temperature, pink sauce pasta can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat it by popping it in a skillet or in a pan on the stove at medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warm all the way through. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan, and you’ve got a fresh meal on your hands! I don’t recommend freezing it, as the thawing process will ruin its smooth texture.

Serving suggestions

Top your pink sauce pasta with fresh basil, or take it a step further with Air-Fryer Meatballs, Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms, or Peas And Carrots. If you’d like to add some succulent sides to this meal, pair pink sauce pasta with Italian Salad, Roasted Brussels Sprouts And Asparagus, or a classic Caprese Sandwich. Any of these combos, plus a glass of your favorite wine, fashions a fantastic Italian-American dinner.

Print

Pink Sauce Pasta

Indulge in this creamy and dreamy yet easy-to-craft pasta dish that professional chefs hide up their sleeve.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-American
Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes minutes
Total Time 30 minutes minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 576kcal
Author Amelia Mapstone

Ingredients

8 ounces penne pasta
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small red onion minced
3 garlic cloves minced
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water and then drain the pasta.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced red onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until softened. Then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with the wine and cook for 30 seconds.
Pour in the tomato paste and heavy cream. Add the dried basil, dried oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, cooking until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. If it appears too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently until the pasta is well coated. Adjust seasoning if necessary, add extra reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency, and serve immediately. Garnish with chopped basil.

Nutrition

Calories: 576kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 88mg | Sodium: 263mg | Potassium: 428mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1394IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 130mg | Iron: 2mg

The post Pink Sauce Pasta appeared first on Food Faith Fitness.

Related Posts

Beet Hummus Recipe

Craft this bright and zesty dip in just 5 minutes for your next shindig. Table of Contents Toggle What makes beets so colorful?How do I

Read More »

Pomegranate Molasses

Make your sweet treats unique with a drizzle of this rich, fruity syrup. Table of Contents Toggle Why is it called molasses?How do I store

Read More »

Greek Roasted Vegetables

Jazz up your dinner with these vibrant veggies that are well-seasoned and roasted to tender perfection. Table of Contents Toggle What makes these veggies Greek?How

Read More »

Whipped Ricotta

Dish out this fluffy cheese dip that’s bound to become a favorite at any gathering. Table of Contents Toggle How is ricotta made?How do I

Read More »

Homemade Vegan Ricotta

Searching for a plant-based alternative to your favorite fluffy Italian cheese? Check it out! Table of Contents Toggle Are raw cashews better than roasted?How do

Read More »

Ricotta Cookies

Treat your loved ones to these fluffy, buttery cookies blended with vanilla and topped with a sweet icing. Table of Contents Toggle What exactly is

Read More »

Whipped Cottage Cheese

Indulge in this creamy, fresh, and protein-rich condiment any time of day. Table of Contents Toggle Why add lemon juice?How do I store leftovers?Serving suggestionsWhipped

Read More »

Garlic Butter

Whip up this creamy, herbaceous spread that’s perfect for toast, baked potatoes, and more! Table of Contents Toggle Can I use plant-based butter?How do I

Read More »

Spatchcock Chicken Recipe

The quickest way to bake an ultra-juicy bird in the oven! Table of Contents Toggle Is Spatchcock Chicken Healthy?What Does “Spatchcock” Really Mean?How to make

Read More »

Pickled Green Beans

The tangy and crunchy long-storage snack that keeps on giving. Table of Contents Toggle Are Pickled Green Beans Healthy?Best Pickling PracticesHow do I store leftovers?Serving

Read More »

Keto Cheesecake Fluff

Whip up this creamy, decadent dessert in only five minutes! Table of Contents Toggle Is Keto Cheesecake Fluff Healthy?Like Cheesecake Without The Crust…How To Make

Read More »

Vegan Gravy

This easy plant-based gravy is perfect for mashed potatoes and more. Table of Contents Toggle The keys to velvety smooth vegan gravyHow do I store

Read More »

Vegetarian Taquitos

Indulge in these meat-free taquitos stuffed with vibrant veggies, herbs, and spices. Table of Contents Toggle Where do taquitos come from?How do I store leftovers?Serving

Read More »

Vegan Mug Cake

Indulge in a quick, easy, and eggless little cake to satisfy your sweet tooth. Table of Contents Toggle Where do mug cakes come from?How do

Read More »

Chicken Marinade

This flavor-packed Chicken Marinade does all the work so you don’t have to! Table of Contents Toggle Is This Chicken Marinade Healthy?Pounding your chicken and

Read More »

Lime Curd

This tart and versatile Lime Curd looks impressive but only takes 20 minutes! This recipe is so fun to make that you’re in danger of

Read More »

Spam Musubi Bowl

Ditch the hand-held classic and enjoy this deconstructed, yet elevated, Spam favorite! toc 1994. My mother takes me to a friend’s barbecue at the park.

Read More »

Meatloaf without Eggs

This egg-free, fuss-free meatloaf is delicious, easy to make, and brimming with nostalgia. Table of Contents Toggle Is Meatloaf Without Eggs Healthy?In Defense Of Adding

Read More »

Pork Chop Seasoning

Impress your guests with this secret Pork Chop Seasoning blend! Table of Contents Toggle Is Pork Chop Seasoning Healthy?How Do I Season Pork Chops?FAQs &

Read More »

Steak Butter

Keep this velvety, herb-infused compound butter on hand for your next steak night. Table of Contents Toggle Is Steak Butter Healthy?Fully Customizable Steak ButterFAQs &

Read More »

Tamarindo Drink

Whip up this tart drink if you’re craving a sweet, non-alcoholic beverage to help you cool off after a long day. Table of Contents Toggle

Read More »

Wassail

A fragrant blend of apple cider, citrus, and warming spices, Wassail is the ultimate festive drink to sip and share during the holiday season. Table

Read More »

Mexican Chopped Salad

This Mexican Chopped Salad is fresh, vibrant, and bursting with crunchy veggies, creamy avocado, and a zesty lime dressing. Table of Contents Toggle Is Mexican

Read More »