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5.0 from 303 votes

Pink Sauce Pasta

This creamy Pink Sauce Pasta recipe is warm, comforting, and has the best flavor! It's inspired by a dish at Mama D's restaurant in Newport, CA and is bound to become a family favorite!

Prep Time
15 mins
Simmer
30 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 5
Calories: 739 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian , American

Ingredients

  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 Tablespoon butter
  • 6 garlic cloves , minced
  • 1 shallot , finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper , or more to taste
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine (58g) , optional
  • 28 ounce can whole peeled tomatoes , San Marzano brand
  • 1 pound rigatoni*
  • 1 1/4 cup heavy cream (300g)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese* (100g)
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves (24), chopped, for serving

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Sauté shallot: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter and oil then once butter has melted, add shallot then cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often. Add garlic and dry spices then cook for 1 minute.
  2. Optional wine deglaze: Add white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Crush Tomatoes: Use (clean) hands to crush the whole tomatoes right into the pot, and add the rest of the juice from the can. Reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for 30 minutes.
  4. Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water, according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, and drain cooked pasta (don’t rinse).
  5. Blend Sauce: Use a blender or hand immersion blender to purée the sauce until smooth. Return to pot over low heat.
  6. Finish: Add heavy cream until combined. Add parmesan cheese then stir until melted and smooth. Taste and add additional seasonings if needed. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Add some pasta water as needed, to thin the sauce.
  7. Serve garnished with fresh basil and extra parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Yield: Approximately 7–8 cups. Serving Size: About 1.5 cups (~340g).
  • Pasta: Use any bite-size pasta, like penne, fusilli, farfalle or medium shells.
  • Cheese: Avoid pre-shredded cheese and use high-quality fresh parmesan cheese that you shred yourself (it will melt better and taste better). Allow cheese to come to room temperature before adding to the sauce. 
  • Protein: Feel free to add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
  • Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten free bite size pasta.
  • Make Ahead Instructions: Make the pink sauce ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Make the pink sauce ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing instructions: For best results, make the sauce just until adding the cream, cheese and pasta. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then rewarm in saucepan. Stir cream, cheese and pasta.

Nutrition Information

Calories 739kcal (37%) Carbohydrates 82g (27%) Protein 21g (42%) Fat 36g (55%) Saturated Fat 20g (100%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 10g Trans Fat 0.2g Cholesterol 97mg (32%) Sodium 1112mg (46%) Potassium 684mg (20%) Fiber 5g (20%) Sugar 9g (18%) Vitamin A 1680IU (34%) Vitamin C 18mg (20%) Calcium 328mg (33%) Iron 4mg (22%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 5Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 739

% Daily Value*

Calories 739kcal 37%
Carbohydrates 82g 27%
Protein 21g 42%
Fat 36g 55%
Saturated Fat 20g 100%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 10g 50%
Trans Fat 0.2g 10%
Cholesterol 97mg 32%
Sodium 1112mg 46%
Potassium 684mg 15%
Fiber 5g 20%
Sugar 9g 18%
Vitamin A 1680IU 34%
Vitamin C 18mg 20%
Calcium 328mg 33%
Iron 4mg 22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.