Pink Tomato Pasta with Cream Sauce Recipe
Perfectly Pink Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining al dente penne or rigatoni pasta with a luscious pink sauce made from tomato paste, cream, and Parmesan cheese. The sauce is infused with garlic, shallots, and a touch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, making it a comforting yet elegant meal perfect for any night of the week.
- 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
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside, reserving some pasta water if needed for the sauce.
- Make the Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add minced garlic and finely chopped shallot, sautéing until fragrant and softened, about 2–3 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to develop flavor.
- Add Dairy and Simmer: Lower the heat and slowly whisk in the heavy cream and whole milk until sauce is smooth and achieves a creamy pink color. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate Cheese: Stir the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce until melted and well combined. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat every piece evenly with the sauce. Cook together for 1 to 2 minutes to let flavors meld. Add reserved pasta water gradually if sauce needs thinning.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish generously with chopped fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- You can substitute penne with rigatoni or any other tubular pasta that holds sauce well.
- The red pepper flakes are optional but add a subtle heat that balances the creaminess.
- For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream and a vegan Parmesan substitute.
- Saving a bit of pasta water helps adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
- Freshly grated Parmesan offers better melting and flavor than pre-grated cheese.
