What’s the perfect answer to a busy weeknight dinner dilemma? You need something fast, comforting, and delicious, but you’re tired of the same old spaghetti with marinara. What if you could whip up a restaurant-worthy, luxuriously creamy pasta dish in about the same time it takes to boil water?

Contents

Ingredients
Timing
Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Step 3: Deglaze and Add Tomato Paste
Step 4: Create the Creamy Pink Sauce
Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Pasta
Step 6: Combine and Serve

Nutritional Information
Healthier Alternatives
Serving Suggestions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Storing Tips
Conclusion
FAQs

Q1. Can I make this pink sauce pasta without wine?
Q2. Can I add protein like chicken or shrimp?
Q3. How can I make this dish spicy?
Q4. Can I use canned tomato sauce instead of tomato paste?

Easy Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe (Creamy & Delicious!)

Description
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?

Say hello to your new favorite: this incredibly easy Pink Sauce Pasta! Also known as pasta rosé or simply tomato cream sauce, this dish beautifully marries the bright tang of tomato with the rich indulgence of heavy cream and Parmesan. It’s sophisticated enough for company but simple enough for a Tuesday night. Forget jarred sauces – this homemade version comes together in minutes and delivers unbelievable flavor.

Ingredients

You only need a few simple, high-quality ingredients to create this luscious pink sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan makes a world of difference!

Ingredient	Amount/Quantity
Uncooked Pasta	8 ounces (Rigatoni or Penne preferred)
Olive Oil	1 tablespoon
Unsalted Butter	2 tablespoons
Small Onion, chopped finely	½
Italian Seasoning	¼ teaspoon
Garlic Cloves, minced	2-3
Dry White Wine (like Pinot Grigio)	¼ cup
Tomato Paste	¼ cup
Heavy Whipping Cream	1 cup
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese	½ cup
Kosher Salt	To taste
Freshly Ground Black Pepper	To taste

Timing

This delicious pasta dish comes together incredibly fast, making it the perfect quick dinner solution.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a creamy, dreamy pink sauce pasta that tastes like it came from your favorite Italian restaurant.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta (rigatoni or penne work wonderfully as their shapes capture the sauce) and cook according to the package directions until al dente (tender but still firm to the bite).

Actionable Tip: Before draining the pasta, reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. This “liquid gold” is perfect for adjusting the sauce consistency later if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and foamy, add the finely chopped onion and the Italian seasoning. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened, translucent, and lightly browned around the edges.

Actionable Tip: Cooking the onion slowly allows its natural sweetness to develop, creating a deeper flavor base for your sauce.

Step 3: Deglaze and Add Tomato Paste

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30-60 seconds, just until fragrant – be careful not to burn it! Pour in the white wine and let it bubble vigorously for about 30 seconds, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the tomato paste until it’s well combined with the onions and garlic.

Actionable Tip: Cooking the tomato paste for a minute helps intensify its flavor and removes any raw or tinny taste.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Pink Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and takes on a beautiful pink hue. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it bubble softly for about 5 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.

Actionable Tip: Keep the heat on medium-low once you add the cream. Boiling heavy cream too vigorously can sometimes cause it to separate.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Pasta

Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, creating a luscious, velvety texture. If the sauce seems too thick at this point, stir in a tablespoon or two of the reserved hot pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Actionable Tip: Always add cheese off the heat! Adding Parmesan to a boiling sauce can cause it to clump or become grainy.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the pink sauce. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is evenly coated. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with more Parmesan and fresh basil, if desired.

Nutritional Information

This is an estimate for one serving (about ¼ of the recipe), not including potential additions like protein or extra vegetables. Nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Calories: Approx. 550-650 kcal
Protein: 15-20 g
Carbohydrates: 50-60 g
Fat: 30-40 g
Saturated Fat: 18-25 g

Healthier Alternatives

While this dish is undeniably indulgent, you can make a few swaps to lighten it up.

Whole Wheat Pasta: Substitute regular pasta with whole wheat pasta for added fiber and nutrients.
Lighter Cream: Replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk. Note that this will result in a slightly less rich sauce. For a dairy-free/vegan option, use full-fat canned coconut milk or a creamy cashew cream.
Add Vegetables: Bulk up the dish by adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or roasted red peppers to the sauce along with the onions.
Lean Protein: Stir in cooked grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a protein boost.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy Pink Sauce Pasta is wonderfully satisfying on its own but also pairs beautifully with simple sides.

Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is practically mandatory for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce!
Simple Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. Think mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
Garnish: Elevate the presentation with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil, a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or an extra grating of Parmesan cheese right before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

For a perfect pink sauce every time, keep these potential pitfalls in mind:

Overcooking the Pasta: Mushy pasta will ruin the dish. Solution: Cook the pasta only until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the hot sauce.
Boiling the Cream: High heat can cause the cream sauce to separate or curdle. Solution: Once the cream is added, maintain a gentle simmer and avoid a rolling boil. Stir in the cheese off the heat.
Not Reserving Pasta Water: You might find your sauce is thicker than desired once the cheese melts. Solution: Always save some starchy pasta water before draining! It’s the perfect, flavorful liquid to adjust the sauce consistency without diluting the taste.

Storing Tips

Leftovers are unlikely, but if you have them, here’s how to store them:

Refrigerate: Store leftover pink sauce pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or water to loosen the sauce as it warms. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Freezing: Freezing cream-based sauces is generally not recommended as they tend to separate upon thawing, resulting in a grainy texture. This dish is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Conclusion

This Easy Pink Sauce Pasta is a culinary trifecta: fast, simple, and incredibly delicious. It transforms basic pantry staples into a creamy, dreamy meal that feels special enough for a date night but is quick enough for any weeknight. The perfect balance of tangy tomato and rich cream makes this a universally loved dish that will earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection.

Ready to whip up this creamy delight? Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments below! We love hearing about your kitchen successes. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe for more easy, delicious meal ideas!

FAQs

Q1. Can I make this pink sauce pasta without wine?

Yes, absolutely. If you prefer not to use wine, you can simply substitute it with an equal amount (¼ cup) of chicken or vegetable broth, or even just a splash of the pasta water to deglaze the pan after cooking the garlic.

Q2. Can I add protein like chicken or shrimp?

Definitely! This sauce is a fantastic base for adding protein. You can stir in cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even Italian sausage (cooked and crumbled) along with the pasta at the end.

Q3. How can I make this dish spicy?

Easily! Add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic in Step 3. Adjust the amount based on your preferred heat level.

Q4. Can I use canned tomato sauce instead of tomato paste?

While tomato paste provides a concentrated, rich tomato flavor essential for this quick sauce, you could potentially substitute it. You would need to use a larger quantity of tomato sauce (perhaps ¾ to 1 cup) and simmer it longer to reduce and concentrate its flavor before adding the cream. The final taste and texture might differ slightly.