Description
This Pink Sauce Pasta is made with onion, garlic, tomatoes, red pepper flakes, heavy cream and lots of parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pound bite size pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 (28 ounce) can of whole San Marzano tomatoes, crushed by hand
- 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- In a large saucepan on medium heat, add olive oil and wait for it to shimmer. Combine the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and stir for 2 minutes, until combined. Add the hand crushed San Marzano tomatoes and a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sprinkle salt and pepper and simmer sauce over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream.
- Cook any pasta according to the instructions. Add the pasta into the sauce.
- Garnish with parsley and top with parmesan.
Notes
-
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.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
