Description

Perfectly Pink Pasta is a creamy, flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring pasta tossed in a luscious pink tomato cream sauce made with marinara, heavy cream, and tomato paste. This easy stovetop recipe combines tender pasta with a rich and smooth sauce, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for a delightful meal perfect for any occasion, including romantic dinners.

Ingredients

Pasta and Sauce

12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ small onion, finely chopped
1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
½ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons tomato paste
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

Chopped fresh basil (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta of your choice and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Develop Tomato Base: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about one minute to deepen the tomato flavor, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
Add Sauce and Cream: Pour in the marinara sauce and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the heavy cream along with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s creamy and takes on a beautiful pink hue.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it thoroughly so every piece is coated with the pink sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook for another 1–2 minutes to meld the flavors and warm the cheese.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh chopped basil and extra Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve warm for a delicious, comforting meal.

Notes

For added protein, stir in grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or mushrooms when combining the pasta and sauce.
To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use vegan Parmesan cheese alternatives.
Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
Use fresh pasta for a more tender texture if desired, adjusting cooking times accordingly.