Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe

This Pink Sauce Pasta is made with onion, garlic, tomatoes, red pepper flakes, heavy cream and lots of parmesan cheese.

This dish is so quick and easy to make. Sometimes it almost seems impossible to make a recipe that the whole family would like, but this one is a winner. This dish takes 25 minutes to make making this a quick and easy recipe. It is kid friendly as well as adult friendly.

Jump to:

• What is Pink Sauce Pasta?
• Pink Sauce Ingredients
• How to make Pink Sauce Pasta
• What kind of Pasta should I use for Pink Sauce?
• What is pink sauce vs vodka sauce?
• What is rose pasta sauce made of?
• Substitutions
• Pink Sauce Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store Pink Sauce Pasta
• Pink Sauce Pasta Top tips
• Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe
• Food safety

What is Pink Sauce Pasta?

"Pink Sauce Pasta" typically refers to a pasta dish that features a creamy tomato-based sauce, resulting in a distinctive pink or blush-colored appearance. This sauce is created by combining traditional tomato sauce with cream, yielding a rich and flavorful mixture. The creamy element not only gives the sauce its unique color but also adds a luxurious texture to the pasta dish.

Pink Sauce Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

• Pasta
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Tomato Pasta
• Can whole San Marzano tomatoes
• Red pepper flakes
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Parsley

See recipe card for Pink Sauce Pasta quantities.

How to make Pink Sauce Pasta

Hint: For extra creaminess, add more heavy cream and cheese.

What kind of Pasta should I use for Pink Sauce?

Pink sauce, being a creamy tomato-based sauce, pairs well with a variety of pasta shapes. The sauce's velvety texture and rich flavor cling to different types of pasta, creating a satisfying and comforting dish. Here are some popular pasta shapes that work well with pink sauce:

1. Fettuccine: The wide and flat ribbons of fettuccine provide a substantial base for the creamy sauce, allowing it to coat the pasta evenly.
2. Penne: The tube-like shape of penne allows the sauce to get trapped inside, offering a delightful combination of creamy and saucy bites.
3. Rigatoni: With its ridges and wide tubes, rigatoni holds onto the pink sauce exceptionally well, creating a hearty and satisfying dish.
4. Farfalle (Bowtie Pasta): The unique shape of farfalle catches the sauce, and the bowties add a playful element to the dish.
5. Pappardelle: These broad, flat noodles are perfect for soaking up the rich flavors of the pink sauce, creating a luxurious and indulgent bite.

What is pink sauce vs vodka sauce?

The terms "pink sauce" and "vodka sauce" are often used interchangeably, and in many cases, they refer to the same type of sauce. Both pink sauce and vodka sauce are creamy tomato-based pasta sauces that typically have a distinctive pink color. However, there can be subtle differences between the two:

Pink Sauce:

• The term "pink sauce" is a more general descriptor for a pasta sauce that combines tomato sauce with cream, creating a pink or blush-colored mixture.
• Pink sauce can be made in various ways, and recipes may differ in terms of ingredients and proportions.
• Some pink sauce recipes may not necessarily include vodka, and they might rely solely on the combination of tomato sauce and cream for the color and flavor.

Vodka Sauce:

• Vodka sauce is a specific type of pink sauce that includes vodka as one of its key ingredients.
• Vodka is added to the sauce to enhance the flavors, and it also contributes to the sauce's unique texture and mouthfeel.
• The addition of vodka is believed to release certain flavor compounds in tomatoes that are not soluble in water or fat alone.

What is rose pasta sauce made of?

Rose pasta sauce, also known as "rosé sauce," is a delectable combination of tomato sauce and cream, resulting in a luscious pink-hued sauce that elevates any pasta dish. This delightful concoction typically includes a base of tomato sauce, whether store-bought or homemade, providing a robust tomato flavor and the signature color. Heavy cream is then introduced, imparting a creamy and velvety texture while harmonizing with the tomato base to achieve the appealing rosy tint. Garlic sautéed in butter or olive oil adds aromatic depth to the sauce, while seasonings like salt, pepper, and occasionally red pepper flakes contribute to its flavorful profile. The addition of Parmesan cheese is optional but often included for an extra layer of richness. This versatile sauce pairs exceptionally well with various pasta shapes, creating a comforting and indulgent pasta experience.

Substitutions

Parmesan: I use regular grated parmesan from the store. You could also grate your own parmesan too.

Garlic: You can smash the garlic or mince it.

Olive Oil: I would extra virgin olive oil for best quality and taste.

Pasta: I used cavatelli but you can use any bite size pasta.

Tomatoes: I love using whole san Marzano tomatoes and hand squeezing them before adding. It’ll give the sauce a great texture this way.

Pink Sauce Recipe Variations

• 1. Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Pink Sauce: Add finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and tangy flavor. Stir in fresh basil or basil pesto for a fragrant herbal twist.
• 2. Spicy Pink Sauce: Infuse the sauce with red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Incorporate diced jalapeños or red chili flakes for an extra layer of heat.
• 3. Roasted Red Pepper Pink Sauce: Blend roasted red peppers into the sauce for a smoky and slightly sweet undertone. Consider adding a touch of smoked paprika for additional depth.
• 4. Vodka Pink Sauce: Traditional vodka sauce involves adding vodka to the base. Enhance it by using flavored vodka or infusing it with herbs like rosemary or thyme.
• 5. Mushroom and Spinach Pink Sauce: Sauté sliced mushrooms in olive oil and garlic, then add them to the pink sauce for earthy flavor. Wilt fresh spinach into the sauce for added color and nutritional value.

Check out this Lobster Bucatini.

Equipment

• Cooking Pot for Pasta: A large pot to boil water and cook your pasta. Ensure it's big enough to prevent sticking.
• Saucepan or Skillet: A medium to large saucepan or skillet for preparing the pink sauce. This will be used to sauté aromatics and simmer the sauce.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For stirring and mixing the sauce.
• Knife and Cutting Board: To chop garlic, onions, or any additional ingredients you plan to add to the sauce.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurements of ingredients like heavy cream, tomato sauce, and spices.
• Grater (Optional): If you're adding Parmesan or any hard cheese to the sauce, a grater will be useful.
• Cooking Utensils:Tongs or a pasta server for lifting and serving the cooked pasta.
• Pasta Strainer: To drain the cooked pasta A ladle for transferring sauce onto the pasta.

How to store Pink Sauce Pasta

• Allow the pink sauce pasta to cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
• If possible, store the pasta and sauce separately to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
• Use airtight containers to minimize exposure to air, preventing the sauce from drying out and maintaining the pasta's freshness.
• Label the container with the date of preparation and any specific ingredients or variations used in the sauce.
• Pink sauce pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Beyond this timeframe, the quality may start to decline.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the pink sauce pasta. Place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion, and label with the date.
• When reheating, add a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce's consistency, and heat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop until thoroughly warmed.

Pink Sauce Pasta Top tips

• Balancing Creaminess: Achieve the perfect creamy consistency by gradually adding heavy cream to the tomato sauce, allowing for better control over the texture.
• Enhancing Flavor with Aromatics: Sauté minced garlic in butter or olive oil before adding the tomato sauce for an aromatic base that elevates the overall flavor of the pink sauce.
• Experiment with Herbs and Spices: Customize the sauce by experimenting with herbs like basil or oregano, and spices such as red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
• Optimal Pasta Cooking: Cook the pasta al dente, ensuring it retains a slight bite. This helps the pasta hold up well when mixed with the creamy pink sauce.
• Fresh Parmesan for Depth: Consider using freshly grated Parmesan for a richer flavor, and add it gradually to achieve the desired level of creaminess.
• Avoid Overheating: When reheating leftovers, add a splash of water or cream to maintain the sauce's consistency and prevent it from becoming too thick.
• Versatility with Proteins: Experiment with protein additions like shrimp, chicken, or sausage for a heartier variation of pink sauce pasta.
• Play with Additional Ingredients: Add sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or spinach for extra depth and a burst of complementary flavors.
• Careful Salt Seasoning: Taste the sauce before adding salt, as Parmesan and other ingredients may contribute saltiness. Adjust accordingly to avoid over-salting.
• Finishing Touches: Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving for a burst of freshness and visual appeal.

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.