If you’re craving something that feels indulgent yet comes together in no time, this Easy Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe is a total winner. It’s creamy, slightly tangy, and packed with flavor that’ll have you going back for seconds—and maybe even thirds. Using simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between comforting and elegant, making it a fantastic go-to for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners. Trust me, once you try this pink sauce pasta, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite dishes to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of everyday ingredients, this recipe proves that you don’t need a long list of obscure items to create a delicious meal. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the sauce’s luscious texture and vibrant flavor, bringing color, creaminess, and a hint of savoriness to every bite.
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (rigatoni or penne preferred): These shapes hold the sauce beautifully, making each forkful decadent and satisfying.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps soften the onions without overpowering the other flavors.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Brings a silky mouthfeel that’s essential for the creamy texture of the sauce.
- 1/2 small onion (chopped finely): Adds natural sweetness and depth when sautéed until golden.
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a touch of herbal warmth that subtly elevates the dish.
- 2-3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with a fragrant punch that’s key to its savory character.
- 1/4 cup dry white wine: Adds brightness and a slightly acidic note that balances the creaminess.
- 1/4 cup tomato paste: Gives the sauce that gorgeous pink hue and a concentrated tomato flavor—choose a high-quality paste for best results.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: Creates the luxurious base that makes this sauce so irresistibly smooth.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that ties all the flavors together.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance and round out the final dish.
How to Make Easy Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Al Dente
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your pasta until it’s just tender but still has a slight bite—al dente is the perfect texture because it holds up beautifully when tossed in the creamy sauce without getting mushy.
Step 2: Sauté Onions with Italian Seasoning
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil and butter together in a skillet over medium heat until melted. Add the finely chopped onion and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Sauté gently for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the onions to soften and develop a lovely light brown color that adds sweetness and depth.
Step 3: Add Garlic and White Wine
Stir in the minced garlic, letting it cook just until fragrant—be careful not to burn it. Then pour in the dry white wine and let it bubble for about 30 seconds. The wine will add a delicate acidity that brightens the rich sauce.
Step 4: Stir in Tomato Paste and Cream
Blend the tomato paste and heavy cream into the skillet until smooth and well combined. Let the sauce simmer gently for around 5 minutes, giving it time to thicken slightly and allow the flavors to meld into that perfect creamy pink sauce.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan Cheese
Take the skillet off the heat and fold in the freshly grated parmesan cheese. This step enriches the sauce further, adding a savory, salty kick that makes this pasta truly irresistible.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
If the sauce seems too thick, loosen it by stirring in a splash of the hot pasta water you reserved before draining. Drain your perfectly al dente pasta, toss it in the skillet with the sauce to coat every piece, then season generously with salt and pepper. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Easy Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can make this dish look as stunning as it tastes. Try fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a bright herbal note. A few extra shavings of parmesan on top give a nice visual and flavor boost, while a pinch of red pepper flakes adds just a hint of heat for those who like a bit of spice.
Side Dishes
Pairing the pasta with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette balances the creamy richness perfectly. Garlic bread or a rustic baguette is fantastic for mopping up any leftover sauce, turning every meal into a satisfying feast. Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts, also complement the pink sauce’s flavor beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve this pasta in shallow, wide bowls to showcase the sauce’s beautiful pink hue and vibrant textures. You can even add cooked shrimp or grilled chicken on top to turn it into a heartier meal. For a cozy twist, try layering the pasta in a casserole dish with extra cheese and bake it briefly for a bubbly, golden finish that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, any leftovers should be cooled to room temperature, then transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated. The sauce thickens when chilled, so giving it a good stir before reheating helps bring it back to that creamy consistency.
Freezing
This Easy Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe freezes okay but keep in mind that the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly upon thawing. If you plan to freeze, separate the pasta and sauce if possible and freeze the sauce in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream as needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving at high power to prevent curdling and maintain that silky texture. Stir frequently until warmed through for best results.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in the Easy Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While rigatoni and penne are ideal for holding the creamy sauce, feel free to use any pasta you love such as fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just keep in mind that chunkier shapes help trap more sauce.
Is dry white wine necessary for this recipe?
The white wine adds a subtle acidity that balances the richness of the cream and tomato paste, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute it with a splash of chicken broth or water with a squeeze of lemon juice.
Can I make the sauce dairy-free or vegan?
For a dairy-free version, try using coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and a vegan parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for the cheese. The sauce will still be delicious but with a slightly different flavor profile.
Why is the sauce pink and not red?
The pink color comes from combining the deep red tomato paste with the creamy white heavy cream. The cream lightens the tomato’s intensity, creating that soft, inviting pink hue that’s so appealing and unique.
How long does this Easy Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe take to prepare?
This recipe is wonderfully quick—about 10 minutes prep time and 20 minutes cook time—making it perfect for when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this Easy Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe inspires you to bring a little creamy comfort into your kitchen with minimal effort. It’s a dish that’s easy enough for any weeknight but impressive enough to serve guests. Once you’ve made it, I’m sure it will find a permanent spot in your family’s favorites. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy one of the coziest meals around.
Print
Easy Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A creamy and flavorful Easy Pink Sauce Pasta recipe made with a luscious blend of tomato paste, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, combined with perfectly cooked rigatoni or penne pasta. This quick and comforting Italian-inspired dish is enhanced with a touch of white wine, garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (rigatoni or penne preferred)
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes depending on the pasta type.
- Prepare the Base: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion and Italian seasoning. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onion is softened and lightly browned, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Add Garlic and Wine: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to release its aroma, then pour in the dry white wine. Let it bubble for approximately 30 seconds to reduce slightly and enhance the depth of flavor.
- Create the Pink Sauce: Mix in the tomato paste and heavy cream until combined and smooth. Allow the sauce to simmer and bubble gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
- Finish the Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which will melt into the sauce making it creamy and rich.
- Combine and Serve: If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of reserved hot pasta water to loosen it. Drain the cooked pasta, add it to the skillet, and toss evenly to coat with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc for the best flavor; if you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute with extra pasta water or chicken broth.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce may be less rich.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for optimal flavor and smooth melting.
- Rigatoni or penne are preferred as their tubular shape holds the sauce well, but feel free to use your favorite pasta.
