Pink Sauce Pasta

Rose

Pink Sauce Pasta is a creamy tomato-based pasta made with butter, olive oil, garlic, tomato passata, cream, milk, and melted mozzarella. This easy 20-minute recipe creates a smooth, velvety rose-colored sauce that perfectly coats every bite, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings servings

Calories 460 kcal

Equipment

large pot for boiling pasta
large skillet for preparing the sauce
wooden spoon
colander for draining pasta
measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta
water (for boiling)
1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small red onion, finely diced
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups tomato passata
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp red chili flakes
1/2 tsp sugar (optional)
salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the tomato passata. Add dried basil, chili flakes, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well and simmer for 5-7 minutes to develop flavor.
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and milk. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Add the shredded mozzarella and stir continuously until fully melted and incorporated, creating a pink sauce.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Salt the pasta water generously for best flavor. Cook pasta al dente since it will continue cooking slightly in the sauce. Simmer cream gently and avoid boiling to prevent separation. Use freshly shredded mozzarella for smooth melting. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If freezing, freeze before adding mozzarella for best texture and thaw overnight before reheating.

Nutrition

Calories: 460kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 15gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 480mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Keyword creamy tomato pasta, easy pasta recipe, pink sauce pasta, rose pasta