Italian Pink Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Italian Pink Sauce Pasta

Rich, creamy, and bursting with savory tomato and garlic flavors, this Italian Pink Sauce Pasta (Rosé Pasta) is the perfect blend of marinara and cream sauce! 🍝💖

This dish combines the tangy brightness of tomatoes with the smooth, velvety texture of heavy cream, creating a beautiful pink-colored sauce that coats every strand of pasta perfectly. It’s a quick 20-minute meal, making it ideal for weeknights, date nights, or when you crave comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.

Pair it with crusty garlic bread and a glass of wine, and you have a restaurant-worthy Italian meal at home!

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Pink Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 small onion (finely chopped)
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
¼ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon butter (for extra richness)
½ teaspoon sugar (optional, balances acidity)
¼ cup pasta water (to thicken the sauce)

For the Pasta:

12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
Fresh basil & extra Parmesan (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta until al dente, according to package instructions.
Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Make the Pink Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté garlic and onions until soft and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, oregano, basil, and sugar. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Lower the heat and add heavy cream, stirring until fully combined.
Stir in butter and Parmesan cheese, letting them melt into the sauce.

Step 3: Combine & Serve

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing until evenly coated.
Pour in a little pasta water to help the sauce cling to the pasta.
Cook for 1-2 minutes more, then remove from heat.
Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Enjoy!

Serve immediately with garlic bread or a fresh side salad.
Pair with a glass of white wine or rosé for a perfect Italian meal.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

The perfect balance of flavors – The tangy tomatoes and rich cream blend beautifully.
Quick & easy – Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal effort.
Versatile – Use your favorite pasta and add proteins like chicken, shrimp, or sausage.
Silky & smooth sauce – A little pasta water helps create the perfect consistency.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Don’t skip the pasta water! It adds starch to the sauce, making it creamier and helping it cling to the pasta.
For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
Want extra richness? Add a splash of white wine before adding the tomatoes.
Make it spicier by adding more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
Turn it into a baked pasta dish! Mix in mozzarella cheese, transfer to a baking dish, and broil for 5 minutes until golden.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate Values)

Calories: 450
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 7g

Serving Suggestions

With garlic bread & fresh salad for a complete meal.
Topped with grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
With a side of roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
Paired with a glass of wine – White wine or rosé complements this dish perfectly.