Oh, pasta! Is there anything more comforting? I mean, seriously, from a quick weeknight meal to a fancy dinner party, pasta’s always got your back. It’s just so darn versatile! And trust me, there’s nothing my family loves more than when I whip up a big bowl of something saucy and delicious.

That’s where this
Pink Pasta Recipe - detail 1
**Pink Pasta Recipe** comes in. It’s creamy, it’s flavorful, and it’s seriously easy to make. Think of it as your new go-to for those nights when you want something special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Seriously, this **Pink Pasta Recipe** is where it’s at!

The secret? It’s all in the sauce – a dreamy blend of ripe tomatoes and salty parmesan that creates this incredible, velvety texture. My kids call it “magic pasta,” and honestly, I think they might be right. It’s just one of those recipes that everyone loves, and that makes me happy!

Why You’ll Love This Pink Pasta Recipe

Quick and Easy Pink Pasta Recipe

Seriously, who has hours to spend making dinner? Not me! This **Pink Pasta Recipe** is ready in about an hour, start to finish. Most of that is just simmering time, so you can kick back while the magic happens!

Creamy and Flavorful Pink Pasta Recipe

Okay, let’s be real, the sauce is where it’s at. That rich tomato and parmesan combo? *Chef’s kiss!* It’s creamy, dreamy, and coats every single piece of pasta perfectly. You’ll be scraping the bowl clean, I promise!

Versatile Pink Pasta Recipe

Want to add some chicken or shrimp? Go for it! Got some veggies that need using up? Toss ’em in! This **Pink Pasta Recipe** is super adaptable. It’s like a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Ingredients for the Pink Pasta Recipe

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need for this **Pink Pasta Recipe**. Don’t skimp on quality – it makes a difference! You’ll want: 1 Tablespoon olive oil, 2 Tablespoon butter (yes, both!), 6 minced garlic cloves, 1 finely diced shallot (trust me on this!), 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 2 teaspoons dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (for a little kick!), 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, but yum!), a 28-ounce can of San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes (they’re the best!), 1 pound rigatoni (or your fave pasta!), 1 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (no pre-shredded stuff!), and 1 cup chopped fresh basil leaves for serving. Phew! Got it all?

Equipment You’ll Need for Pink Pasta Recipe

Standard Pink Pasta Recipe Cooking Equipment

Okay, before we get started, let’s make sure we have everything we need. You’ll definitely want a large skillet (deep is good!), a blender or immersion blender (for that super smooth sauce!), and a large pot to cook the pasta in. That’s it! Pretty simple, right?

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Pink Pasta Recipe

Preparing the Pink Pasta Recipe Sauce

Alright, let’s get saucy! First, grab your large skillet and put it over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter. Once that butter’s melted and all bubbly, toss in the shallot. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes, stirring pretty often, until it’s softened and starting to turn golden. Don’t burn it! Next, add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for just a minute – you want the garlic fragrant, not burnt. Burnt garlic is *not* our friend.

Now, if you’re using wine (and I highly recommend it!), pour in that 1/4 cup of dry white wine. Use it to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that’s where all the flavor lives! Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the wine’s mostly evaporated. Then, grab your can of San Marzano tomatoes. This is important! They really do make a difference. Crush those tomatoes right into the skillet with your (clean!) hands. Add the rest of the juice from the can, too. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet partially, and let it simmer for 30 minutes. This gives all those flavors time to meld together. Mmm!

Cooking the Pink Pasta Recipe

While the sauce is simmering away, get your pasta going. Fill a large pot with salted water (salty like the sea!), bring it to a boil, and cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions. You want it *al dente* – firm to the bite. Before you drain the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of that pasta water. Seriously, don’t skip this step! It’s liquid gold! Then, drain the pasta (but don’t rinse it!).

Blending and Finishing the Pink Pasta Recipe

Okay, the sauce should be nice and thick now. Time to make it smooth! Carefully pour the sauce into a blender (or use an immersion blender right in the skillet) and purée it until it’s silky smooth. Be careful when blending hot liquids! Return the sauce to the skillet over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream until it’s all combined and dreamy. Then, add the parmesan cheese and stir until it’s melted and smooth. Give it a taste and add any additional seasoning you think it needs. More salt? More pepper? A pinch more chili flakes? It’s your call!

Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it to coat it in that glorious pink sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little bit of that reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Serve it up hot, garnished with fresh basil and extra parmesan cheese. Enjoy every single bite!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Pink Pasta Recipe

Cheese Substitutions for Pink Pasta Recipe

Parmesan is classic, but hey, sometimes you gotta switch things up! If you’re feeling adventurous, try Pecorino Romano instead. It’s got a saltier, sharper flavor that’s really yummy in this **pink pasta recipe**. Just don’t use pre-shredded – it doesn’t melt as well!

Wine Options for Pink Pasta Recipe

Okay, so maybe you don’t have any white wine on hand, or maybe you just don’t want to use it. No biggie! You can totally skip it. Just add a splash of chicken broth or vegetable broth instead to deglaze the pan after the shallots and garlic. It’ll still be delicious, I promise!

Protein Additions to your Pink Pasta Recipe

Want to make it a full meal? Easy peasy! This **pink pasta recipe** is fantastic with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even some crispy tofu. Just toss it in with the pasta at the end. My favorite? A little grilled chicken with a squeeze of lemon. So good!

Tips for the Best Pink Pasta Recipe

Use Fresh Ingredients for the Pink Pasta Recipe

Seriously, this makes ALL the difference. That freshly grated parmesan? So much better than the pre-shredded stuff. And that fresh basil? Adds a burst of flavor that’s just amazing. Trust me on this one!

Don’t Overcook the Pink Pasta Recipe

Nobody wants mushy pasta! Cook it *al dente* – firm to the bite. It should have a little bit of resistance when you chew it. It’ll continue to cook a little bit in the sauce, so err on the side of slightly undercooked rather than overcooked.

Adjust Seasoning for Your Pink Pasta Recipe

Taste, taste, taste! Before you serve it, give the sauce a good taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Does it need more salt? A little more pepper? A pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat? Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

Storing and Reheating Your Pink Pasta Recipe

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just pop the **pink pasta** in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Honestly, it’s almost better the next day – the flavors really meld together!

Okay, time to dig in again! You can reheat your **pink pasta** on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if it seems a little dry. Or, if you’re in a hurry, just microwave it for a minute or two. Easy peasy!

Pink Pasta Recipe: Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! You can totally make the sauce a day or two in advance. Just store it in the fridge, and then when you’re ready to eat, cook the pasta and toss it all together. Easy peasy! I actually think the sauce tastes even better after it’s sat for a day!

Rigatoni is my go-to, but honestly, any bite-sized pasta will work great! Penne, fusilli, farfalle (bowties), or even medium shells would be delicious. Just pick your favorite and go for it! It’s all about what you like best.

Super simple! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. There are tons of great gluten-free options out there these days, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that you love. Just cook it according to the package directions!

Yep, you can! For best results, I recommend freezing the sauce before you add the cream, cheese, and pasta. Let it cool completely, then pop it in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then rewarm it in a saucepan. Stir in the cream, cheese, and cooked pasta, and you’re good to go!

Nutritional Information for Pink Pasta Recipe

Okay, so here’s the lowdown on the nutritional stuff. Each serving of this **pink pasta recipe** clocks in at roughly 739 calories. But hey, it’s an estimate! Gotta live a little, right?

Alright, what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and whip up this **Pink Pasta Recipe**! And hey, if you make it, be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends on social media – they’ll thank you for it!