Creamy Pink Sauce Pasta
This Creamy Tomato Pasta dish is the perfect blend of comfort and indulgence, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. The recipe starts with penne pasta, cooked to al dente perfection, providing just the right texture to absorb the rich and flavorful sauce. The foundation of the sauce begins with a touch of butter melted in a pot, creating a rich base for sautéing diced onions until they become tender and slightly caramelized, infusing the dish with a subtle sweetness.
Next, minced garlic and tomato paste are added to the pot, releasing their aromatic properties and intensifying the tomato flavor. This step builds depth and complexity, ensuring that each bite bursts with a savory, slightly tangy profile. The key to this creamy concoction lies in the combination of spaghetti sauce and heavy cream, stirred together to create a velvety, tomato-based sauce. A pinch of red pepper flakes can be included for those who appreciate a mild hint of heat, balancing the richness with a gentle kick.
As the sauce simmers on low heat, it thickens and melds, creating a harmony of flavors. To finish, the cooked penne pasta is returned to the pot, ensuring each piece is generously coated with the luscious sauce. The dish is then crowned with a layer of freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, which melt beautifully when covered for a few minutes, creating a gooey, cheesy topping that adds both taste and texture.
This Creamy Tomato Pasta pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread, perfect for mopping up every bit of the sauce. The result is a comforting and satisfying dish with a luxurious, creamy tomato flavor, subtle cheese tang, and the savory essence of garlic and onions.
One-Pot Pasta Rosa (Pink Sauce)
Ingredients
- 16 oz penne pasta cooked al dente
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ cup diced onion
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 24 oz jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the tomato paste and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and pour in the spaghetti sauce, heavy cream, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer gently. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the cooked pasta to the pot and toss until evenly coated in the sauce.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Cover with a lid and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Serve warm with crusty bread.