Pink Sauce Penne
This creamy, comforting pink sauce penne brings together the best of marinara and alfredo for an irresistibly smooth and flavorful pasta dinner.
Ingredients
- •1 pound penne pasta (450g)
- •2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- •1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- •3 cloves garlic, minced
- •1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz / 800g)
- •1 cup heavy cream (240ml)
- •1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
- •1 teaspoon dried oregano
- •1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- •1 teaspoon salt
- •1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- •1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- 2
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the diced onion, and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- 3
Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, season with salt and black pepper, and let the sauce simmer on medium-low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 5
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream until the sauce turns a smooth, vibrant pink color.
- 6
Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely into the sauce.
- 7
Add the drained penne pasta directly into the skillet, tossing well to coat every piece in the luscious pink sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- 8
Garnish with fresh torn basil leaves and serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.
💡 Chef tips
- For a vegetarian protein boost, you can pan-sear cubed tofu or serve with a side of roasted vegetables.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished pasta is generously coated in a velvety, perfectly balanced pink sauce that smells of sweet tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil, delivering a rich and comforting flavor in every bite.