This simple yet delicious pink sauce pasta recipe is ideal for a fast and satisfying weeknight meal. Combining the rich flavors of ripe tomatoes with the smooth creaminess of fresh cream, this rosé sauce offers a perfect balance of tangy and velvety textures. Made with just 10 easy-to-find ingredients, this dish comes together quickly, ready to serve in just about 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this flavorful pasta promises a comforting and elegant dinner without the fuss.
Why Is It Called Pink Sauce?
- When pureed tomatoes are combined with fresh cream, the sauce takes on a lovely pink color that gradually deepens into a rich orange as it cooks.
- This beautiful hue makes the sauce visually appealing and appetizing.
- This type of sauce is commonly referred to as pink sauce or rosé sauce.
- In some variations, rosé sauce includes a splash of vodka, which adds a subtle complexity and enhances the overall flavor.
- Even without vodka, the mixture of tomatoes, cream, and seasonings creates a perfectly balanced sauce that is creamy, tangy, and smooth.
- The result is a versatile and elegant sauce that pairs wonderfully with a variety of pasta dishes.
You’ll Love This Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe
- Taste & Texture: This pink sauce pasta offers a smooth, silky sauce that’s rich and creamy, delivering a comforting and indulgent flavor in every bite. The natural tang of ripe tomatoes shines through, perfectly balanced by a gentle sweetness imparted by the cream. Together with the subtle nuttiness of Parmesan cheese, the sauce achieves a harmonious blend of flavors that dance on the palate, making every bite satisfyingly rich yet refreshing.
- Kid-Friendly: This recipe is a perfect choice for a quick and tasty weeknight dinner that the entire family will appreciate. Even the most selective eaters tend to enjoy the comforting flavors of this pasta. Pasta night becomes a favorite occasion, thanks to its mild, pleasing taste and smooth texture that appeals to kids and adults alike.
- Hearty & Comforting Meal: Served alongside a fresh salad or a medley of roasted vegetables, this warm rosé sauce pasta creates a fulfilling and cozy meal. Its wholesome ingredients and satisfying texture make it an excellent option for those seeking both nourishment and comfort on busy days or chilly evenings.
- Creamy Yet Light: Despite its rich and creamy consistency, this pasta dish maintains a surprisingly light feel on the stomach. The balance of cream and tomatoes ensures the sauce is smooth without being overly heavy, allowing you to enjoy a decadent meal without feeling weighed down.
Ingredient Notes For Pink Sauce Pasta
Here is the pic of the ingredients you’ll need to make a pink sauce pasta recipe.
- Pasta: I’ve gone with penne pasta for this recipe because its ridged sides and hollow center are perfect for capturing the creamy sauce, ensuring flavor in every bite. If you want to switch it up, other pasta shapes like rigatoni, lumachine, tortiglioni, or even small shells work wonderfully. These shapes are ideal for holding onto thicker sauces like rosé.
- Onion: Choose yellow or white onions for their mild taste and soft texture when sautéed. They blend seamlessly into the sauce without dominating the flavor. For a gentler, more delicate taste, shallots can be a great substitute.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves, finely minced, are best for adding bold aroma and depth to the sauce. If you’re short on time, pre-minced garlic from a jar can also be used, though fresh always provides a more vibrant flavor.
- San Marzano Tomatoes: Always opt for canned San Marzano peeled tomatoes, not just any generic canned variety. These Italian tomatoes are prized for their natural sweetness, lower acidity, and intense tomato flavor, making them perfect for creamy tomato-based sauces like this rosé.
- Parmesan Cheese: I’ve used vegetarian-friendly Parmesan in this version, as traditional Parmigiano Reggiano contains animal rennet. The cheese adds savory depth and enhances the sauce’s creaminess.
- Milk & Heavy Cream: Full-fat whole milk paired with heavy whipping cream creates a rich, smooth consistency. If you’re aiming for a lighter version, skim milk or half-and-half are acceptable substitutes, though they’ll result in a slightly thinner sauce.
- Basil: Fresh basil leaves bring a fragrant, herbal note that complements the creamy tomato base. In case fresh basil isn’t available, a pinch of dried basil can be used instead.
How To Make Pink Sauce Pasta?
Before starting with the sauce, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until it is al dente—firm to the bite, not mushy. Follow the timing instructions on the pasta package carefully. Drain and set aside once cooked. While the pasta is boiling, begin preparing your rosé sauce.
1) Place the San Marzano peeled tomatoes into a blender or food processor and prepare to puree them until smooth.
2) Blend until the tomatoes are completely smooth, forming a rich and velvety puree. Set this aside for the sauce base.
3) In a wide, deep pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add finely chopped onions and freshly minced garlic. For quicker softening, sprinkle a pinch of salt right after adding them.
4) Stir and sauté the onion-garlic mixture for about 3–4 minutes, or until the onions begin to soften and take on a light golden color, releasing their sweet aroma.
5) Pour in the prepared tomato puree. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6) Stir well to combine all the ingredients and allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer.
7) Reduce the heat to medium-low. Partially cover the pan with a lid and let the sauce simmer for around 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps it thicken and develop a concentrated flavor. Make sure the sauce doesn’t stick or burn at the bottom of the pan.
8) After simmering, the tomato base should have reduced slightly and thickened to a beautiful consistency.
9) Now add the full-fat milk and heavy cream to the pan.
10) Stir until the dairy blends completely into the tomato base, creating that signature pink hue. Allow it to simmer gently for an additional 2 minutes over low heat.
11) Add the cooked, drained pasta along with grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce.
12) Mix gently to coat every piece of pasta evenly. Allow it to cook for another minute or two until the cheese is fully melted and everything is well combined. Finish with fresh chopped basil leaves and serve warm.
Expert Tips For Rosé Sauce Recipe
- Add salt only after the water begins to boil: It’s best to wait until the water reaches a full boil before adding salt. Doing this helps the water boil faster, and salted boiling water helps season the pasta more effectively as it cooks.
- Avoid overcooking the pasta: Carefully follow the cooking time printed on the pasta packaging. It’s important to set a timer and begin checking the pasta’s texture at the earliest suggested cooking time. For instance, if the label recommends 8 to 10 minutes, start testing the pasta around the 8-minute mark. This ensures your pasta remains al dente—firm and not overly soft.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt. For optimal flavor and texture, purchase a block of Parmesan cheese and grate it yourself just before using it. Freshly grated cheese melts much more smoothly into the sauce compared to the pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that hinder proper melting.
- Customize the flavor with herbs: If you want to add more depth to your sauce, consider sprinkling in some Italian seasoning or a bit of dried oregano. These herbs bring a warm, earthy flavor that complements the creamy tomato base.
- Add some heat with red chili flakes: For a touch of spice, mix in a pinch of crushed red chili flakes. It enhances the overall flavor of the sauce without overwhelming its creamy richness.
Variations and Add-ins for Pink Sauce Pasta
- If you’re looking to switch things up, here are some tasty variations and ingredients you can add to customize your pink sauce pasta:
- Add Veggies: You can easily boost the nutrition by adding vegetables like baby spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Sauté them along with the onions and garlic for extra flavor and texture.
- Make It Protein-Packed: For a heartier version, add protein such as grilled tofu, sautéed mushrooms, chickpeas, or even plant-based meat substitutes. If you’re not vegetarian, grilled chicken or shrimp also pair wonderfully with the creamy tomato base.
- Turn It Into a Baked Pasta: After mixing the pasta with the pink sauce, transfer it to a baking dish, top it with more Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, and bake place it in a preheated oven set to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling. It becomes an irresistible baked pasta casserole.
- Use Gluten-Free or Whole Wheat Pasta: To make the recipe more suitable for different dietary needs, you can substitute traditional pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat versions. Just be sure to follow the cooking times on their respective packages.
- Fresh Herbs for Finishing: In addition to basil, you can garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives. It brings a pop of vibrant color along with a refreshing touch to the final dish.