Viral Pink Sauce Pasta (Print Version)

Lush blush pasta tossed in a creamy tomato-parmesan sauce, ready in 30 minutes for a rich, comforting meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 14 oz (about 400 g) penne or rigatoni

→ Pink Sauce

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
05 - 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
06 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
07 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
08 - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
09 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
10 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
11 - 1 cup heavy cream
12 - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
13 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Garnish

14 - Fresh basil leaves, chopped
15 - Additional grated Parmesan, for serving

# How to Make It:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
02 - While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
03 - Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds; avoid browning.
04 - Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, salt, and black pepper. Reduce to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has slightly thickened, about 7 to 8 minutes.
05 - Lower the heat to low and whisk in the heavy cream, butter, and grated Parmesan until the mixture is smooth and a blush-pink color. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
06 - Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly. If the sauce seems too thick, loosen it with small additions of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
07 - Divide the pasta among bowls, sprinkle with chopped basil and extra Parmesan, and serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Your friends will be convinced you learned this at a bistro—even though it’s secretly so easy.
  • This pink sauce becomes that go-to dish for nights you crave something both creamy and bright.
02 -
  • If you accidentally add cream while the sauce is boiling, it may split and lose that dreamy texture.
  • Finishing the sauce with butter and parmesan off the heat is what brings professional creaminess every time.
03 -
  • Using freshly grated parmesan (not pre-shredded) ensures your sauce is never gritty.
  • A dash of white wine right before the tomatoes adds depth that’ll have people guessing your secret ingredient.
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