Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe

Make the best Pink Sauce Pasta with this easy and creamy recipe! Perfect for weeknight dinners, this delicious dish combines penne pasta with a rich tomato-cream sauce, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese. Customize with your favorite proteins like chicken or shrimp, or make it vegetarian. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a family-friendly dinner idea that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 8 oz. tomato sauce
• 1 cup half and half (equal parts milk and cream)
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 1 chicken bouillon cube
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded

For the Pasta:

• ½ lb. penne (ziti or rigatoni also work well)
• ½ cup reserved pasta water

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• Pinch of red pepper flakes

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce Base:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the tomato sauce, half and half, chicken broth, chicken bouillon, honey, hot sauce, and seasonings. Set aside. Measure out the remaining ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
2. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Set a timer to avoid overcooking.
   • Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
3. Make the Sauce:
   • While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to enhance its flavor.
   • Gradually add the prepared tomato sauce mixture to the skillet in splashes, stirring continuously. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook, uncovered, until the pasta is ready.
4. Incorporate the Cheeses:
   • Reduce the heat to low and gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   • Add the drained pasta to the skillet and stir to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Save any remaining pasta water for reheating leftovers.
6. Serve:
   • Plate the pasta and serve hot with garlic bread topped with cheese for a complete meal. Enjoy!

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of tomato, cream, and cheeses creates a perfectly balanced sauce.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: You can adapt the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
• Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleasing dish that kids and adults will love.

Tips

• Use High-Quality Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella melt better and provide superior flavor.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Set a timer to ensure your pasta is perfectly al dente.
• Save Pasta Water: Reserved pasta water is a secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency or reheating leftovers.
• Adjust Spice Level: Add more or less hot sauce and red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Additions: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage for a heartier meal.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken broth and bouillon with vegetable broth for a meat-free version.
• Pasta Alternatives: Use gluten-free pasta or swap penne for spaghetti or bowtie pasta.
• Extra Veggies: Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for added nutrients.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stovetop and toss with freshly cooked pasta.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add a splash of reserved pasta water when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.

Can I freeze the sauce?
Yes, the sauce freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor and a pop of color.
• Serve with a glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy sauce.