Description
This Perfectly Pink Pasta recipe features tender penne pasta tossed in a luscious creamy tomato sauce tinted with tomato paste and heavy cream. Enhanced with savory garlic, shallots, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, this comforting Italian-American dish is quick to make on the stovetop and garnished with fresh basil for a vibrant finish. Ideal as a satisfying vegetarian main course, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or date nights.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz penne or pasta of choice
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)
- chopped fresh basil for garnish
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 small shallot (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Sauté aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped shallot, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until they become fragrant and soft without browning.
- Develop the sauce base: Stir in the tomato paste and cook it for 1–2 minutes, allowing it to darken slightly and deepen in flavor.
- Add cream and cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously to create a smooth, pink-colored sauce. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with red pepper flakes if using, plus salt and black pepper to taste.
- Adjust sauce consistency: If the sauce is too thick, stir in a small amount of the reserved pasta water to thin it to your preferred consistency.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta into the skillet and toss well to coat all the pasta evenly with the creamy pink sauce. Cook together for another 1–2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use a vegan Parmesan alternative.
- This pasta pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for added protein and variety.
- Reserve the pasta water before draining; its starch helps to thin and bind the sauce.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit entirely for a milder dish.
