Description
A creamy pink sauce pasta recipe combining tomato and cream, perfect for beginner cooks. Quick, flavorful, and easy to customize.
Ingredients
Scale
- 300g penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 230g tomato sauce or marinara
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until golden and soft, about 5–6 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Stir in tomato sauce, then add oregano, basil, chili flakes, and salt. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Simmer the sauce gently for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat and add mozzarella and parmesan. Stir continuously until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
- Fold in the cooked pasta and mix well to coat. Cook for 2–3 minutes to heat through.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Customize with add-ins like spinach, cooked chicken, or mushrooms.
- To reheat, add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
- Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to prevent overcooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 494
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 828mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 68mg