Looking for a comforting yet elegant pasta dish? This pink sauce pasta recipe combines the rich flavors of tomatoes and cream, creating a beautiful sauce that clings perfectly to your favorite pasta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table. Let’s dive into the ingredients and the delightful cooking process that brings this dish to life.
Ingredients
– 300g pasta of your choice (fettuccine or penne works well)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup tomato sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil for garnish
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 2 people. Preparation time is 10 minutes, and cooking time is about 15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1/2 of the recipe) contains approximately 500 calories, 20g of fat, 60g of carbohydrates, and 12g of protein. This is based on standard ingredient measurements.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Pour in the tomato sauce and stir to combine.
- Reduce heat and add heavy cream to the sauce, mixing well.
- Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Enjoy your delicious pink sauce pasta!
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a lighter option. Tomato sauce can be replaced with marinara or a homemade tomato blend for added freshness.
Serving and Pairings
This pink sauce pasta pairs beautifully with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables. A glass of white wine also complements the dish perfectly.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to restore the sauce’s consistency. This dish is not recommended for freezing as the sauce may separate.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking pasta can lead to mushiness; always check for al dente.
- Don’t skip seasoning; it enhances the flavor of the sauce.
- Adding cream too quickly can cause it to curdle; introduce it slowly.
- Using low-quality canned tomato sauce can affect the dish’s taste.
- Not mixing the pasta and sauce well can leave some pasta unflavored.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor.
- Experiment with different pasta shapes for variety.
- For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Top with crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can use plant-based cream and skip the cheese to make a vegan version of pink sauce pasta.
What pasta works best for pink sauce?
Fettuccine and penne are great choices, but you can use any pasta shape you prefer.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be sautéed and added to the sauce for extra nutrition.
How long can I store leftover pink sauce pasta?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Is pink sauce pasta spicy?
The dish is not inherently spicy, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes to give it some heat.
Conclusion
This pink sauce pasta recipe is an easy yet elegant dish that brings warmth and comfort to your dining table. With its creamy texture and delightful flavor, it’s perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to date nights. Enjoy creating this culinary masterpiece!
Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 300 g pasta of your choice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Pour in the tomato sauce and stir to combine.
- Reduce heat and add heavy cream to the sauce, mixing well.
- Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Enjoy your delicious pink sauce pasta!
