Italian Pink Sauce – Rose Pasta Recipe

There's something truly magical about a bowl of Italian Pink Sauce pasta. The way the creamy, velvety sauce clings to every strand of pasta, balancing the tanginess of tomatoes with the richness of cream, makes every bite irresistible. It’s the perfect comfort food, whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something special to impress your guests.

this Recipe

I first discovered this recipe on a trip to Rome, where a small family-run trattoria served me a plate of the most divine rose-colored pasta. Since then, I’ve been perfecting my own version at home, ensuring it’s both easy to make and full of authentic Italian flavor.

Why You'll Love This Italian Pink Sauce Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to pasta recipe! This Italian Pink Sauce pasta is the perfect blend of creamy and tangy, offering a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.

First, it’s incredibly quick and easy. In just 30 minutes, you can have a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Perfect for those nights when you want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

It’s also budget-friendly. Made with simple pantry staples like canned tomatoes, heavy cream, and pasta, you can feed a family of four for a fraction of the cost of dining out.

The best part? It’s endlessly versatile. You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed mushrooms to customize it to your taste. Plus, it pairs beautifully with any type of pasta you have on hand.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of taste and texture.

Tomatoes are the heart of this sauce. I prefer using canned San Marzano tomatoes for their naturally sweet and robust flavor, but any high-quality canned tomatoes will work. If you have fresh ripe tomatoes, they make a fantastic substitute as well.

Heavy cream is what gives this sauce its signature velvety texture. It mellows out the acidity of the tomatoes and creates that dreamy pink hue. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half can be used, though the sauce will be less rich.

Garlic and onions form the flavor foundation. Freshly minced garlic adds a fragrant depth, while onions provide a subtle sweetness that enhances the sauce.

Parmesan cheese is essential for a touch of umami and creaminess. Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture—pre-shredded cheese just won’t melt as smoothly.

You’ll also need olive oil, butter, and fresh basil to round out the flavors. A splash of pasta water at the end helps the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta.

How To Make This Italian Pink Sauce Pasta

Creating this luscious pasta dish is easier than you might think. Follow these steps for the perfect Italian Pink Sauce every time.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your favorite pasta—penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni all work well—and cook until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining.

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and a tablespoon of butter. Once melted, sauté the finely chopped onions until translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well. Let them simmer for about 10 minutes to develop their natural sweetness. At this point, season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Now comes the magic—stir in the heavy cream, mixing well until the sauce takes on that gorgeous pink hue. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.

Toss in the cooked pasta, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat each piece evenly. Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until everything is creamy and well combined.

Finish with torn fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top for the ultimate Italian experience.

Storage Options

This Italian Pink Sauce pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers for later.

For short-term storage, place the pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To keep the sauce from drying out, add a splash of cream or milk when reheating.

If you’d like to freeze the sauce separately, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently on the stove before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a little reserved pasta water or cream to revive the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the sauce to separate.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this Italian Pink Sauce pasta is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

Add protein – Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or even crispy pancetta for a heartier dish.

Make it vegetarian – Swap out Parmesan for a vegetarian-friendly cheese and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrients.

Spice it up – Increase the red pepper flakes or add a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste for extra heat.

Dairy-free version – Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a vegan alternative.

Experiment with different herbs, cheeses, and pasta shapes to find your perfect combination. However you make it, this creamy, dreamy pasta is sure to become a staple in your home!

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