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A serving of pink sauce pasta

Creamy Pink Sauce Pasta

If you love creamy, flavorful pasta dishes, you’re in for a treat! Pink Sauce Pasta is a simple yet delicious recipe that combines the best of both worlds—rich tomato sauce and creamy alfredo-style sauce. The result? A smooth, velvety, slightly tangy, and perfectly balanced pasta dish that’s hard to resist.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 500 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large Skillet or Saucepan
  • Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
  • Garlic press (optional)
  • Cheese grater
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons
  • Ladle or Tongs

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta

  • 12 oz pasta penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti
  • Water for boiling
  • 1 tsp salt

For the Pink Sauce

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for a little heat
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a lighter version
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • ¼ cup pasta water if needed, to thin the sauce

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1 cup cooked chicken shrimp, or crispy bacon
  • 1 cup baby spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cook the Pasta (10 minutes)

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. (Tip: Use about 1 tsp of salt per quart of water for flavorful pasta.)
  • Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (firm but not hard).
  • Before draining, reserve ¼ cup of pasta water—this can help thin the sauce later.
  • Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics (5 minutes)

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tbsp olive oil.
  • Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant. (Pro Tip: Garlic burns quickly, so stir constantly to prevent bitterness.)

Step 3: Make the Pink Sauce (7 minutes)

  • Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and oregano.
  • Stir and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
  • Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. You’ll see the sauce turn a beautiful pink color!
  • Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 4: Combine & Serve (5 minutes)

  • Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until fully coated.
  • If using chicken, shrimp, or veggies, stir them in now. Let everything heat through for about 2 minutes.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. (A little extra Parmesan never hurts!)
  • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, then serve immediately.
  • For an extra creamy touch, add a small knob of butter at the end and stir until melted. It makes the sauce even silkier!

Notes

Nutritional Value (Per Serving, Approximate):

  • Calories: ~500-600 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: ~60g
  • Protein: ~12-15g
  • Fat: ~25-30g
  • Saturated Fat: ~12g
  • Fiber: ~4g
  • Sugar: ~6g
  • Sodium: ~600-800mg
Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment and rating!
Nutrition Disclaimer:
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Keyword dinner recipes, easy pasta recipes, pink pasta, pink sauce pasta