Description
This Pink Sauce Pasta recipe features a creamy tomato-based sauce made with tomato passata, cream, and mozzarella cheese, combined with perfectly cooked penne pasta. Enhanced with garlic, red onion, and subtle spices, this delicious dish is quick to prepare and adaptable with optional protein additions like shrimp or chicken.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 300 g penne pasta (or pasta of your choice)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small red onion, minced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1.5 cups tomato passata (or puree or sauce, not tomato paste)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 chicken bouillon cube, crumbled
- Pinch of sugar
- Sprinkle of red chili flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the pasta water for later use.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter and olive oil. Once the butter has fully melted, add the minced red onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Prepare Sauce Base: Add the tomato passata, dried basil, crumbled chicken bouillon cube, a pinch of sugar, red chili flakes, and salt and pepper to taste into the skillet. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer gently for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and milk, then stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue to cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring frequently until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat each piece with the pink sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add splashes of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Warm through for a few minutes.
- Serve: Once the pasta is hot and well-coated with sauce, remove from heat and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil or extra chili flakes if desired.
Notes
- You can add shrimp or chicken to the pasta for extra protein and flavor.
- This dish can also be served alongside steak for a hearty meal.
- The sauce can be adjusted for thickness by using more or less pasta water.
- Using fresh herbs in place of dried basil can enhance the flavor further.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken bouillon cube with vegetable broth powder or omit it.
Keywords: pink sauce pasta, creamy tomato pasta, penne pasta recipe, easy pasta dinner, mozzarella pasta sauce