Pink Sauce Pasta
Pink Sauce Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—a creamy tomato-based sauce that’s easy to make and perfect for a quick, delicious meal.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil 15 ml
- 1 medium onion finely chopped (1 cup or 150 g)
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 2 cups of marinara sauce 480 ml
- 1 cup of heavy cream 240 ml
- 12 oz. of penne pasta 340 g
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese 115 g
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese optional (25 g)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta (12 oz. or 340 g) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically around 10-12 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving 1/4 cup (60 ml) of the pasta cooking water.
Prepare the Pink Sauce:
- While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion (1 cup or 150 g) and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion becomes translucent. Avoid browning the onion.
- Add the minced garlic (3 cloves) and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. Then, sprinkle in the dried oregano (1 teaspoon) and stir to combine.
Simmer the Marinara:
- Pour in the marinara sauce (2 cups or 480 ml) and stir the mixture to ensure the flavors blend. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
Create the Pink Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to low, then slowly pour in the heavy cream (1 cup or 240 ml), stirring constantly. The sauce will take on a rich pink color as the cream mixes with the marinara. Let the sauce gently simmer for 2-3 more minutes, but avoid letting it come to a boil, as boiling may cause the cream to curdle.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the Pasta with Sauce:
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce until it's well-coated, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
- Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup or 115 g), allowing it to melt and create a creamy, cheesy texture. If using, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup or 25 g) over the top for extra flavor.
Serve:
- Once everything is mixed and the cheese has melted, remove the pan from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the Pink Sauce Pasta immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color, if desired.