If you’ve tried pink sauce, then you’d definitely love this pink sauce pasta recipe. This is a quick and easy dinner recipe that’ll make you look like a restaurant chef in less than 30 mins.
We love home cooked meals that are easy to make with common pantry ingredients and this easy pasta recipe is definitely one of those and I’d be happy to show you exactly how we make Pink sauce Pasta here at Deliciously Home Cooked.
What is Pink Sauce or Pink Cream sauce?
Pink sauce also known as pink cream sauce is any sauce that’s pinkish in color. I’ve heard it’s restaurant favorite in the Middle East. However I am more familiar with the Italian version also known as Parma Rosa which is basically a mix of tomato sauce or marinara sauce with a nice dose of cream sauce. That’s it!
Just like the mix of red and white will give a lightish red or pinkish hue. The blend of tomato sauce and heavy cream brings about the color of this sauce and hence the name pink sauce. A combination of this sauce and pasta is what we call Pink sauce Pasta or Pink Pasta.
This pink cream sauce is different from the pink sauce made from the combination of mayonnaise and ketchup.
Why this Pink Sauce Pasta is so good?
A taste of this pasta recipe would convince you that you made the right choice. It’s a great combination of creamy, slightly tangy and cheesy. This blend makes a world of difference to your taste buds. Besides the fact that this recipe is so delicious, here are a few more reasons why we think you’d love this recipe.
- Easy peasy: It doesn’t get easier than this. Make the sauce, boil the pasta mix it all up!! Easy right?
- Family friendly: This is a great recipe everyone loves. Kids and adults alike. It’s even picky eater approved.
- Pantry ingredients: This recipe requires a few ingredients which you probably already have in your pantry. For real! It’s that easy.
- Time saver: Dinner goes from pot to table in less than 30 mins.
Ingredients
- Pasta of choice: I used Penne, feel free to use Rigatoni, Macaroni or Rotini. Whichever you choose would work. The pink cream sauce is the star of this recipe.
- Oil
- Diced tomatoes fresh or in a can.
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Onions
- Spices & herbs: Dry basil, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Red pepper flakes, Garlic Powder, Chicken Bouillon, salt.
Substitutions
Oil: I use olive oil most times. However you can use any oil you prefer. Vegetable oil, Canola or even Coconut oil will be fine. You can also use a combination of butter and oil.
Tomatoes: Tomato Sauce is a great substitute to Canned or Fresh tomatoes and would work perfectly. I didn’t have tomato sauce on hand so I puréed the canned diced tomatoes. I wouldn’t recommend tomato paste for this recipe, however if that’s what you have available. Dilute 3 oz with a cup of water as a substitute to tomato sauce.
Heavy cream: You can use half and half instead. If making a vegan, use coconut milk or cashew milk.
Cheese: A combination of cheeses would work. Mozzarella and Parmesan are a great combo.
Seasoning: Substitute Italian seasoning for the basil, oregano, rosemary and parsley. Use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead of the Chicken bouillon.
How to make Pink Sauce Pasta in easy steps
This is an overview of this recipe. You can find the full printable recipe if you scroll down to the bottom of this page.
Make the Pink Sauce
Sauté onions in olive oil, blend the diced tomatoes into a purée, pour it into the sautéed onions and continue cooking. Season with herbs and spices.
Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of water to boil, add salt to the water, pour in the pasta and cook according to package instructions. When pasta in fully cooked, drain and reserve a cup of pasta water.
Bringing it all together
Combine cooked pasta with Italian Pink sauce if you want it more saucy, add the reserved pasta water.
What to serve with Pink sauce pasta
This pasta can be served with a variety of sides which include
- Salads
- Chicken
- Crusty breads
How to store
This recipe can be stored in an air tight container for up to three days in the refrigerator. I wouldn’t recommend freezing pink pasta because it contains dairy and would likely separate when thawed.
Reheat refrigerated pasta in the microwave or stove top. Add a little water to bring it back to life.
Tips to making the best Pink Pasta (Rose Pasta)
- Do not overcook pasta: Penne pasta takes longer to cook than spaghetti. Whichever you use, do not overcook.
- If you use bouillon powder no need to use broth, use water.
- Add more or less cheese and heavy cream according to your taste.
- You can swap out the heavy cream for hair and half or evaporated milk.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes you can use other types of pasta, I have used shells, macaroni and rotini. You can also use spaghetti.
More Pasta recipes to enjoy
- White sauce pasta
- Broccoli pasta
- Meatless spaghetti
- Mac and cheese
Thank you for visiting my visual kitchen! If you found this recipe helpful, please leave a comment below and don’t forget to share this recipe with family and friends.
Happy cooking!
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Pink Pasta recipe
Ingredients
Pasta
- 6 quarts water
- 8 oz Penne Pasta
- 2 teaspoons salt
For sauce
- 2 Tablespoons oil
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 15 oz Tomato sauce 14 oz Diced tomatoes blended
- ¾ cup Heavy cream (or half and half)
- ½ cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon Oregano
- ½ teaspoon Parsley
- ¼ teaspoon ground Rosemary
- 1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Chicken Bouillon
Instructions
- Bring water to boil, add salt and cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Penne pasta usually gets to an al dente texture at 11 to 12 minutes.
- Drain pasta and reserve a cup of pasta water
Make the pink sauce
- While pasta is cooking, start making the pink sauce.
- Sauté onions till fragrant and translucent add the tomato sauce or blended crushed tomatoes and cook for about a miniute. Then add the spices, herbs and chicken bouillon powder. Stir in and let simmer on medium heat till sauce begins to thicken.
- Add the heavy cream or half and half, stir to mix. Add the Parmesan cheese, taste for seasoning and adjust accordingly.
- Turn the heat to low and add the cooked pasta to the pink sauce. Mix till well coated then pour the the reserved pasta water half cup at a time till you get your desired consistency. Sprinkle the pepper flakes, turn off heat and serve.
Notes
- I used penne feel free to use Rigatoni, Macaroni or Rotini.
- The time the pasta would take for the pasta to get to an al dente texture would depend on the pasta. Spaghetti would cook faster than penne pasta
- If the sauce isn’t ready by the time the pasta is ready, drain and reserve pasta water then toss the pasta in a table spoon of oil to prevent it from sticking
NUTRITION DISCLAIMER
Nutritional information is an estimate and may change based on products used. Although we try to provide accurate nutritional information, please note that nutritional data on this website should be considered estimates and used as a guide only. Under no circumstances will www.www.deliciouslyhomecooked.com be responsible for any loss or damage resulting from the use of this nutritional information. You are encouraged to use a nutritional calculator with the exact brands you are using to get the most accurate information for each recipe.
Ken says
Delicious recipe. So easy to put together. It was my turn to make dinner last night and the wife found it impressive Thanks for sharing.
DeliciouslyHomecooked says
Yay!! Ken that’s nice to hear. Thanks