Italian Pink Sauce Recipe: A Creamy Delight for Your Pasta

Italian Pink Sauce is a delightful fusion of creamy alfredo and tangy tomato sauce. This flavorful sauce is perfect for pasta, making it an easy yet elegant dish to serve. With its creamy texture and mild, slightly tangy flavor, this sauce is loved by both kids and adults alike. It’s versatile and can be made with simple ingredients found in your pantry. Pink sauce pasta is a great dish for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. If you’ve ever wondered, “What is pink sauce?” or “What’s in pink sauce?”, this recipe will answer all your questions while delivering a delicious result.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Heavy Cream: This is the key to the creamy texture of the pink sauce. You can substitute it with half-and-half for a lighter version.
• Tomato Sauce: Use crushed tomatoes or tomato puree for a smoother texture. If you like chunks, diced tomatoes work too.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but you can use garlic powder if you're in a pinch.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty flavor. If needed, you can swap with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste

Step-by-Step Directions

• Heat the Pan:
• Start by heating a large pan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as it can turn bitter quickly.
• Add Tomato Sauce:
• Pour in 1 cup of tomato sauce and stir well. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and the flavors to blend together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Incorporate Cream:
• Slowly add 1 cup of heavy cream to the tomato sauce, stirring continuously. This is the step that transforms your regular tomato sauce into a luscious pink sauce. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
• Seasoning the Sauce:
• Add salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to taste. Stir in ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes until the cheese melts and combines with the sauce.
• Cook the Pasta:
• In a separate pot, cook your pasta (like penne or fettuccine) according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta but reserve ½ cup of pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
• Toss and Serve:
• Add the cooked pasta directly into the pink sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency. Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese on top.

Pro Tips

• Don’t overcook the garlic; it can turn bitter fast.
• For added richness, you can stir in a tablespoon of butter just before serving.
• Make it a complete meal by adding grilled chicken or shrimp to the pasta.