This pink sauce pasta recipe or should I say creamy tomato pasta is a delicious comforting food! If you love an indulgent pasta dish that is quick and easy especially on a busy weeknight then this recipe is for you. Pasta tossed in a creamy tomato sauce that makes a perfect meatless meal with some steamed or roasted vegetables.
If you are a meat eater then you can toss in some shredded chicken, bacon, or ground beef.
Creamy tomato sauce recipe
Whether you call it rose pasta, creamy tomato pasta, pink pasta, we can all agree that this dish is comforting and delicious. It is perfect for nights when you are craving something indulgent yet quick. It is not every time you’ll want to serve pasta without anything extra, pink pasta can be eaten on its own, it is saucy and it is quite delectable.
You can make an amazing flavourful dinner in less than 30 minutes, without spending too much money. This recipe is ideal for a hectic weeknight and will not disappoint your pickiest eater.
Related recipes: creamy Gochujang pasta and creamy chicken and chorizo pasta.
What is pink sauce pasta
You may be wondering why it is called pink sauce if it is not technically pink. Well, the creamy tomato sauce is made with tomato puree (passata) which is red in color, heavy cream, milk, and parmesan cheese. The combination of these ingredients (white and red) gives the orange-pinkish hue but it is not pink.
Ingredients needed
Dried pasta: I used tortiglioni as it soaks up the creamy sauce nicely, but you can use any pasta shape of choice including spaghetti and ravioli.
Passata (pureed tomatoes).
Butter: I like using slightly salted butter in pasta recipes but it is up to you,you can use unsalted butter and adjust the overall salt you will be adding to the dish later.
Olive oil: substitute for any other cooking oil of choice including extra virgin olive oil
Onion: I like using yellow onion because it has a mild flavour and doesn't overpower the dish or affect the appearance. If you don't have yellow onion then red or white will do fine.
Chopped garlic
Dried basil & Italian seasoning: Substitute with Herbs de Provence
Milk: I used semi-skimmed milk, you can substitute it with almond milk or coconut milk for a non-dairy option.
Heavy cream substitute for half and half (single cream) for a healthier option
Parmesan cheese: freshly grated is recommended for optimum flavour
Dried jalapeno pepper: this is optional but added for a little bit of heat to balance the flavour of the creamy sauce.
Salt and black pepper
How to make pink sauce pasta
Boil pasta according to the packet instructions in salted water until al dente. It is important not to overcook the pasta so do keep an eye. Reserve some pasta water (you may need it) drain and set aside.
Heat up olive oil and butter on medium-high heat until melted, add chopped onions and garlic and saute until fragrant, soft, and translucent. Do keep an eye so that the garlic doesn't burn.
Add tomato puree (passata), milk, heavy cream, basil, Italian seasoning, dried jalapeno, salt, and black pepper and stir to combine. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes.
Stir in grated parmesan cheese to the creamy tomato sauce until melted. Add drained pasta and toss to combine. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to taste then take it off the heat.
Pink sauce pasta is great on its own or with garlic bread or soda bread as a meatless meal or with air-fried boneless skinless chicken thighs and boiled broccoli or sauteed peas.
What to serve with pink sauce pasta
I typically serve it with a side of garlic bread and air fried vegetable medley. However, you can serve pasta with other side dishes such as
How to store and reheat
Fridge: leftover pink pasta sauce will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat: add the pasta to a microwave-safe bowl, add a splash of water, milk, or a knob of butter. Cover with a lid and microwave for 60 seconds, stirring as needed and until warm enough to your liking.
Watch how to make it
More creamy pasta recipes
Creamy shrimp pasta salad
FAQs
Can I make pink sauce with marinara sauce?
Yes, you can make pink sauce using marinara sauce, milk and cream (heavy or half and half). However, if you find the marinara too acidic, you can add about 1 teaspoon of sugar to help balance out the flavours.
Vodka sauce vs pink sauce
The ingredients for the vodka sauce are similar to those used in the pink sauce, but with the addition of vodka. Nonetheless, many individuals now make vodka sauce without alcohol for personal or religious reasons.
Will Alfredo and tomato sauce make this recipe
Yes, if you are short on time then the combination of Alfredo sauce and marinara sauce or passata will give you creamy tomato pink sauce.
If you made this quick and easy pink pasta sauce recipe, don’t forget to leave me feedback. Tag me @thedinnerbite on Instagram and save away to your Pinterest. Please subscribe to the blog if you haven’t for free new recipes in your inbox.
Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 300 g Dried pasta
- 350 g Passata (pureed tomatoes)
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ⅓ cup onion finely chopped
- 2 large garlic chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup semi skimmed milk
- ½ cup Heavy cream
- ½ cup parmesan cheese grated
- ½ teaspoon dried jalapeno pepper: this is optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil pasta according to the packet instructions in salted water until al dente. It is important not to overcook the pasta so do keep an eye. Reserve some pasta water (you may need it) drain and set aside.
- Heat up olive oil and butter on medium-high heat until melted, add chopped onions and garlic and saute until fragrant, soft, and translucent. Do keep an eye so that the garlic doesn't burn.
- Add tomato puree (passata), milk, heavy cream, basil, Italian seasoning, dried jalapeno, salt, and black pepper and stir to combine. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Stir in grated parmesan cheese to the creamy tomato sauce until melted. Add drained pasta and toss to combine. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to taste then take it off the heat. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional data: Please note that the nutrition label provided is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. It will vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Under no circumstances will thedinnerbite.com be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information.
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