Description
Creamy pink rose pasta celebrates Mediterranean flavors with silky tomato-cream fusion. Rich sauce coats perfectly al dente noodles, inviting diners to savor authentic Italian comfort on their plate.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, carefully setting aside some starchy cooking liquid for later sauce adjustment.
- Create a fragrant base by gently sautéing minced garlic and diced onions in olive oil over medium heat until translucent and aromatic.
- Enrich the pan with tomato sauce, introducing a subtle heat from red pepper flakes and depth from Italian seasoning, allowing flavors to meld for approximately 5 minutes.
- Reduce flame to low, smoothly incorporating heavy cream and butter, creating a luxurious, silky texture.
- Carefully fold cooked pasta into the rose sauce, ensuring each strand is generously coated, and adjust sauce consistency using reserved pasta water if needed.
- Finish the dish by folding in grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, salty note, then garnish with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic touch before serving immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use starchy pasta water to thin out the sauce and create a silky, smooth texture without losing flavor intensity.
- Freshly minced garlic provides deeper, more robust flavor compared to pre-chopped or jarred alternatives.
- Dial down red pepper flakes for kid-friendly version or increase for a spicier kick that tingles the palate.
- Allow sauce to simmer gently to prevent cream from separating and maintain rich, creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 425 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg