Pink Pasta with Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe
Perfectly Pink Pasta is a creamy, savory dish blending the richness of tomato paste, cream, and Parmesan cheese to create a luscious pink sauce. This comforting pasta recipe is quick to prepare and garnished with fresh basil, making it a delicious weeknight favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni work well)
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh basil for garnish
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped shallot, sautéing until they release their aroma and soften, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Reduce the heat, then add the heavy cream and whole milk, whisking continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and achieves a light pink hue. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes to thicken. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Transfer the coated pasta to serving plates. Garnish generously with chopped fresh basil and a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use penne or rigatoni for best texture, but any short pasta will work well.
- Adjust the amount of cream and milk to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Red pepper flakes are optional; add according to your spice preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for cream and milk.
- Reserve some pasta water when draining to loosen the sauce if needed.
