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    Home » Main Dishes » Easy Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe

    Published: Oct 27, 2021 · Modified: Aug 30, 2023 by Ajoke · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Easy Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe

    Skip to Recipe - Print Recipe

    This easy 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 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 pasta on a plate with a fork.

    Creamy tomato sauce recipe

    Whether you call it rose pasta, creamy tomato pasta, or 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 a fantastic 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 wonder 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.

    cooked creamy tomato pasta in a skillet with a serving spoon.

    Ingredients needed

    Dried pasta: I used tortiglioni as it soaks up the creamy sauce nicely, but you can use any pasta shape of your 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 flavor and doesn't overpower the dish or affect its 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 flavor

    Dried jalapeno pepper: this is optional but added for a little bit of heat to balance the flavor of the creamy sauce.

    Salt and black pepper

    ingredients.

    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 on it 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 excellent on its own, with garlic bread or soda bread as a meatless meal or with air-fried boneless skinless chicken thighs and boiled broccoli or sauteed peas.

    the process shot of making pink pasta sauce.

    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

    Sauteed zucchini

    Parmesan-crusted salmon

    Air fryer cod

    Instant pot chicken thighs

    Meatloaf

    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.

    a plate of creamy pasta.

    Watch how to make it

    More creamy pasta recipes

    Creamy bacon pasta

    Salmon pasta without cream

    Cream cheese pasta

    The best rasta pasta

    Creamy beef pasta

    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.

    cooked pink pasta sauce in a skillet.

    Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe

    Ajoke
    This pink sauce pasta recipe or should I say creamy tomato pasta is a delicious comforting food! if you love 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.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Entree, Pasta
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 548 kcal

    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

    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 at 60 seconds interval stirring as needed and until warmed enough to your liking.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 548kcalCarbohydrates: 69gProtein: 18gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 271mgPotassium: 670mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 1120IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 245mgIron: 3mg

    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.

    Keyword creamy tomato pasta recipe, pink sauce pasta, rose pasta sauce
    Tried this recipe?Mention @thedinnerbite or tag #thedinnerbite!
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    2261 shares

    Filed Under: Main Dishes, Meatless Monday, Pasta Recipes

    About Ajoke

    Hello, Nice to meet you! Welcome and thanks for visiting my food blog "The Dinner Bite". Feel free to browse through, you are guaranteed nothing here but a yummy experience

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    Hi! I'm Ajoke.

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