Pink sauce pasta is an easy, flavorful dish that comes together quickly and can be adapted to be gluten free. This classic recipe is ideal for a simple weeknight dinner or for meal prepping. The homemade pink sauce is versatile — use it anywhere you’d normally use a tomato-based or cream-based pasta sauce. Make the sauce ahead to have a ready-to-use base for pink sauce pasta later in the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick: Ready in about 20 minutes. While the pasta cooks to al dente, the sauce simmers and you’ll be ready to plate fast.
- Simple: Start the pasta and prepare the sauce at the same time, then combine. Minimal steps and equipment.
- Great for meal prep: Pasta stores and reheats well, so this recipe portions neatly for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Homemade flavor: Making the sauce from scratch gives you a fresher, more customizable flavor than jarred sauces. You can also skip cooking the pasta and just make the sauce ahead of time.
Ingredients to Make Pink Sauce Pasta
For the pasta and sauce you will need:
- 16 ounces penne pasta (or pasta of your choice)
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 chicken bouillon cube
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup finely grated Parmesan (or mozzarella if preferred)
Optional for serving: 1 cup loosely packed chopped basil, additional grated cheese
How to Make Pink Sauce Pasta
This recipe is essentially three steps: cook the pasta, make the sauce, and combine. If you prefer, prepare the sauce in advance and finish with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
Step One
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta to al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
While the pasta cooks, heat the butter or oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook about 4 minutes, until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Step Two
Add the crushed tomatoes to the pot with the onion and garlic. Crumble the chicken bouillon cube into the tomatoes, then stir in the dried basil, oregano, and salt. Bring to a light simmer, stirring occasionally, and then reduce the heat to medium so the sauce cooks gently.
Step Three
Stir in the heavy cream and grated cheese, combining until smooth. Bring the sauce back to a light simmer, then add the cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly.
Pour in 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water and toss again. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add the remaining 1/2 cup of pasta water until you reach the desired consistency. Remove from heat and finish with additional grated cheese and chopped basil if desired.
Making Gluten Free Pink Sauce Pasta
To make this recipe gluten free, substitute the 16 ounces of regular pasta with your preferred gluten free pasta. Cook according to the package directions for al dente, reserve pasta water, and combine with the sauce the same way.
Serving and Storing Instructions
Serve the pink sauce pasta with extra chopped basil and a sprinkle of grated cheese. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables like broccoli or balsamic-glazed carrots.
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep for about 4–5 days. This dish reheats well in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pink sauce actually called?
Pink sauce is often called pink sauce, rose sauce, parma rosa, or blush sauce. The name highlights the sauce’s rosy color made by blending tomatoes and cream.
What is pink sauce made of?
At its core, pink sauce combines a tomato base with cream. Typical additions include garlic, stock or bouillon, Parmesan, and herbs like basil or parsley.
Is marinara the same as pink sauce?
No. Marinara is a tomato-based red sauce. Pink sauce is essentially a tomato sauce mixed with a creamy white sauce (or cream and cheese), creating the pink hue.
Where did pink sauce pasta come from?
Pink sauce has Italian roots and serves as a bridge between classic red sauces and creamy white sauces. It’s a popular variation in Italian-American cooking and home kitchens.
Other Pasta and Meatball Recipes You’ll Love
- Firecracker Meatballs
- Curry Chicken Meatballs
- Easy Greek Meatballs
- Ricotta Meatballs
- Pesto Gnocchi
- Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Pasta
- Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Pink Sauce Pasta
Simple, adaptable, and ready in about 20 minutes — a great weeknight meal or prep-friendly dinner.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American/Italian-inspired
- Diet: Can be made Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 16 ounces penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 chicken bouillon cube
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup finely grated Parmesan
- Optional for serving: chopped basil, extra Parmesan
Instructions
- Heat the butter or oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook about 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta to al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- Add crushed tomatoes to the onion and garlic, crumble in the bouillon cube, and stir in basil, oregano, and salt. Bring to a light simmer, then reduce heat to medium.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan until combined. Return to a light simmer and add the cooked pasta. Toss to coat, adding 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Add more pasta water if you want a thinner sauce.
- Remove from heat and serve with extra cheese and basil.
Notes
- Substitute Parmesan with shredded mozzarella if preferred.
- To make gluten free, use your favorite gluten free pasta and follow package instructions for cooking.
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