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Easy Pink Pasta Sauce

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This Pink Pasta Sauce is a creamy, tomato-based sauce that combines the acidity of tomatoes with the richness of heavy cream. Quick to make and versatile, it’s perfect for penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti, and can be customized with vegetables, protein, or herbs for a restaurant-quality pasta experience at home.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes or 1 cup marinara sauce

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

  • ½ cup heavy cream

  • Salt, to taste

  • Black pepper, to taste

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Optional Add-ins:

  • Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers

  • Cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

  • Stir in crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce and tomato paste. Simmer 5–7 minutes to deepen flavor.

  • Reduce heat to low and slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce turns a soft pink.

  • Season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.

  • Simmer gently for another 5 minutes to thicken slightly.

  • Stir in grated Parmesan until smooth and melted.

  • Toss with cooked pasta, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

  • Garnish with chopped basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

  • For a lighter sauce, substitute part of the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.Adjust spice with extra red pepper flakes or chili oil.Works beautifully in baked pasta dishes like baked ziti or lasagna.Avoid overheating after adding cream to prevent separation.Can be customized with vegetables or proteins for a hearty meal.

Find it online: https://cookibly.com/easy-pink-pasta-sauce/