Perfect Italian Pink Sauce – Rose Pasta

If you’re craving a comforting, rich, and creamy pasta dish, then the Italian Pink Sauce (also known as rose pasta) is the answer. This dish combines the best of both worlds: the acidity and brightness of marinara with the velvety richness of a cream sauce. The result is a beautiful, flavorful pink sauce that pairs perfectly with a variety of pasta shapes, from penne to tortellini.

The versatility of pink sauce makes it an ideal choice for any meal—whether you’re hosting a family dinner, cooking for a special occasion, or simply enjoying a weeknight meal. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also offers a delicious twist on traditional Italian pasta sauces. The combination of tomato, cream, and seasonings creates a smooth and luxurious sauce that coats the pasta in every bite.

What is Italian Pink Sauce?

Italian pink sauce is a hybrid sauce made by blending classic marinara sauce (which is tomato-based) with heavy cream. The result is a smooth, creamy sauce with a rich flavor and a slight acidity that balances the richness. The sauce gets its pink color from the addition of cream, making it a milder alternative to marinara, yet still packed with the bright flavors of tomatoes.

ingredients in Italian pink sauce include:

• Tomatoes (fresh or canned) for the base
• Heavy cream or cooking cream to add richness
• Garlic, onions, and spices for flavor depth
• Cheese, such as Parmesan-Reggiano, for extra flavor

This sauce is perfect for pairing with short-cut pasta like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle, or even with stuffed pastas such as tortellini or ravioli.

Why You’ll Love Italian Pink Sauce – Rose Pasta

This recipe offers a balance of flavors and textures that elevate your regular pasta dishes. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Creamy & Flavorful: The perfect combination of tangy tomatoes and rich cream creates a smooth and velvety sauce.
• Simple & Quick: Made in under 30 minutes, this recipe is a great weeknight option.
• Versatile: While the sauce is perfect with pasta, it can also be used with other dishes, such as roasted vegetables, chicken, or seafood.
• Comforting: The richness of the sauce, paired with the perfect pasta, is the definition of comfort food.

Gather Your Ingredients

To make this Italian Pink Sauce, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. Be sure to use high-quality tomatoes and cream for the best results.

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or any short-cut pasta)
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes, if available)
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1.5 ounces finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (35% fat)
• Optional: extra Parmigiano-Reggiano for serving
• Optional: fresh spinach or arugula for a side salad

Tools:

• Large pot for cooking pasta
• Large skillet (3 quarts or approximately 3 liters) for the sauce
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grater for cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions for Italian Pink Sauce – Rose Pasta

Making Italian Pink Sauce – Rose Pasta is easy and comes together in just a few steps. Follow this simple guide to create a delicious meal that your family will love.

1. Cook Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions, typically 9-12 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a little bit of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.

2. Cook Onions and Garlic
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be sure not to let the garlic burn.

3. Add Tomato Paste
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 30 seconds. This helps deepen the flavor of the sauce and adds a rich, concentrated tomato flavor.

4. Add Tomatoes and Spices
Add the canned crushed tomatoes, basil, and oregano to the skillet. Stir to combine, then bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, covering the skillet with a lid. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. Stir in Cream and Cheese
After simmering, remove the skillet from the heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and continue stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper to adjust the seasoning to your liking.

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta back into the pot or skillet. Stir the pasta into the sauce, making sure each piece is coated evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

7. Serve
Serve the pasta hot, with extra Parmigiano-Reggiano on top if desired. For a complete meal, pair with a fresh spinach and arugula salad to balance out the richness of the pasta.

Helpful Tips for the Perfect Italian Pink Sauce – Rose Pasta

Making the perfect Italian Pink Sauce involves paying attention to details. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

1. Use High-Quality Ingredients

The success of this dish depends on the quality of the ingredients you use. Choose high-quality tomatoes (preferably San Marzano or other Italian varieties), and heavy cream with a high fat content to achieve the creamiest, most velvety texture. Additionally, opt for authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese instead of pre-grated cheese, which can often be drier and less flavorful.

2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Cooking the pasta just right is key to making this dish. Always test your pasta a minute or two before the package time ends to ensure it is cooked al dente (firm to the bite). Overcooking will cause the pasta to become too soft and mushy, which doesn’t pair well with the creamy sauce.

3. Enhance the Sauce with Fresh Herbs

For a fresher, more vibrant flavor, consider adding fresh basil or oregano at the end of cooking, just before serving. Fresh herbs elevate the taste and add brightness, complementing the rich creaminess of the sauce.

4. Adjust the Consistency of the Sauce

If your sauce is too thick, don’t worry. You can adjust it by adding a little of the reserved pasta water or a small amount of extra cream. This helps the sauce better adhere to the pasta and creates a smooth, perfect texture.

5. Make It Spicy

If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers. This will infuse the sauce with a gentle warmth, providing a beautiful contrast to the creamy texture.

Nutritional Benefits of Italian Pink Sauce – Rose Pasta

While this creamy pasta dish is indulgent, it can also be made with wholesome ingredients that offer several nutritional benefits. Let’s break down the nutritional content:

1. High in Protein

The Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese in the sauce adds a significant amount of protein, which is important for muscle repair and overall body function. Lentils, when paired with this dish, can be added to make it even more protein-packed.

2. Rich in Healthy Fats

The heavy cream used in the sauce provides healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. These fats help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K).

3. Packed with Essential Vitamins

The tomatoes provide an excellent source of vitamin C and vitamin A, both of which are vital for skin health and boosting the immune system. The addition of herbs such as basil also adds to the vitamin content.

4. Fiber from Pasta and Vegetables

Pasta, especially whole wheat or legume-based varieties, can contribute to the fiber content in this meal. Fiber is essential for digestive health and can help you feel fuller for longer.

5. Calcium for Bone Health

Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is a good source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.

Make-Ahead Tips for Italian Pink Sauce – Rose Pasta

Italian Pink Sauce – Rose Pasta is not only a great dinner option, but it also works wonderfully for meal prepping. Here are some tips for making this dish ahead of time:

1. Prepare the Sauce in Advance

You can prepare the pink sauce ahead of time by following the recipe up to the point where you add the cream and cheese. Once the sauce is cooked, let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the sauce on the stovetop and add freshly cooked pasta.

2. Freeze the Sauce

If you want to make the sauce even further in advance, you can freeze it! Allow the sauce to cool, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat.

3. Cook Pasta Fresh

While the sauce can be made ahead, it’s best to cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve. Pasta tends to absorb the sauce over time, which can make it mushy. Cooking the pasta fresh ensures it stays firm and holds up well to the creamy sauce.

Reheating Italian Pink Sauce – Rose Pasta

Reheating pasta dishes can sometimes lead to a loss in flavor and texture, but with these tips, your Italian Pink Sauce will stay just as delicious:

1. Reheat the Sauce Gently

When reheating the sauce, do so on low heat to avoid separating the cream. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more cream or pasta water to loosen it.

2. Microwave Reheating

If you’re reheating a single portion, you can microwave the pasta and sauce. Just be sure to cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to keep the moisture in, and stir halfway through.

3. Stovetop Reheating

For larger portions, reheat the pasta and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan. If needed, add a splash of water or cream to bring the sauce back to its creamy texture.

FAQs on Italian Pink Sauce – Rose Pasta

1. What is pink sauce pasta called?

Pink sauce pasta is commonly referred to as “Rose Pasta”. It is a creamy pasta dish made with a blend of marinara sauce (tomato-based) and heavy cream, resulting in a silky, smooth sauce that’s pink in color.

2. What is rose pasta sauce?

Rose pasta sauce is a fusion of marinara and cream. The base is made from crushed tomatoes or tomato paste, combined with a rich, creamy ingredient like heavy cream or cooking cream. The result is a smooth, creamy sauce with a slight tanginess from the tomatoes and a rich depth from the cream.

3. How to make the best pink sauce pasta?

To make the best pink sauce pasta, follow these simple steps:

• Use high-quality tomatoes for the sauce (fresh or canned).
• Start by sautéing garlic and onions to build a flavorful base.
• Add tomato paste to deepen the flavor, followed by crushed tomatoes and your choice of herbs like basil and oregano.
• Stir in heavy cream to create a rich, velvety texture.
• Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese for added depth.
• Toss in cooked pasta, mixing it well with the sauce to coat evenly. For extra creaminess, you can blend part of the sauce or use extra cream.

4. What does rosa sauce taste like?

Rosa sauce has a perfect balance of creaminess and acidity. The rich cream adds a velvety texture, while the tomatoes provide a tangy, slightly sweet flavor. The combination of these two creates a smooth, comforting sauce that complements pasta wonderfully. It’s not as sharp as marinara sauce but still offers a light, fresh tomato flavor.

5. Can I make pink sauce pasta ahead of time?

Yes, pink sauce pasta can be made ahead of time. You can prepare the pink sauce and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and toss it with freshly cooked pasta. The sauce may thicken when stored, so adding a little pasta water or extra cream when reheating will restore its creamy texture.

Italian Pink Sauce – Rose Pasta Recipe Card

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces penne or any short-cut pasta (rigatoni, fusilli)
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes)
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1.5 ounces finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (35% fat)

Optional:

• Extra Parmigiano-Reggiano for serving
• Fresh spinach or arugula salad for serving

Instructions:

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions (usually 9-12 minutes), until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water for later.

2. Cook Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for 5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 30 seconds to enhance the flavor.

4. Add Tomatoes and Spices: Add the crushed tomatoes, basil, and oregano. Stir well and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.

5. Add Cream and Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the heavy cream slowly. Add grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss well to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

7. Serve: Serve the pasta in bowls with extra Parmigiano-Reggiano on top. Optional: Pair with a fresh spinach and arugula salad to balance the richness.

Notes:

• Pasta: Use high-quality, die-cut pasta for better sauce adhesion. Italian pasta brands like Delverde are ideal.
• Cheese: You can substitute Pecorino Romano for a more pungent, tangy flavor, or mix both cheeses for an extra layer of taste.
• Cream: For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat cream, but the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy.
• Spices: Adjust the spices (basil, oregano) according to your preference. Fresh basil works well if you have it available.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian, Comfort Food