Ah, weekdays! They’re a blur—fast-paced, chaotic, and always leaving me hungry. That’s when this easy pink sauce pasta swoops in like a culinary superhero.
It’s creamy, dreamy, and best of all, on the table in no time. I mean, who doesn’t love a dish that feels like a hug on a plate?
Steps
- Cook the pasta until it is al dente, following the instructions on the package. Drain the pasta and reserve some of the pasta water for later use.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter mixed with olive oil. Add the minced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until it softens, then incorporate the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in the tomato passata along with dried basil, crumbled chicken bouillon, a pinch of sugar, red chili flakes, and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the mixture briefly.
- Stir in the cream, milk, and shredded mozzarella cheese, allowing the sauce to thicken and become smooth.
- Return the cooked pasta to the skillet, mixing it well to ensure it is coated in the sauce. If necessary, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired sauce consistency. Serve immediately.
Ingredients
- 300 g pasta of choice (such as penne)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1.5 cups tomato passata (or substitute with tomato puree or sauce)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 chicken bouillon cube, crumbled
- Pinch of sugar
- Sprinkle of red chili flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1836 kcal | Total Fat: 104g | Saturated Fat: 56g | Cholesterol: 317mg | Sodium: N/A | Total Carbohydrates: 163g | Dietary Fiber: N/A | Sugars: N/A | Protein: 52g
FAQ
- What is pink sauce?
- Pink sauce is a popular Middle Eastern pasta sauce made by combining tomato sauce and cream. This creates a pink-colored sauce that is both tangy and creamy without being overly rich.
- Can I substitute the tomato passata in the recipe?
- Yes, if you can’t find tomato passata, you can use tomato puree or tomato sauce as alternatives.
- What types of pasta work well with pink sauce?
- While penne is commonly used, you can substitute with other pasta types like spaghetti, ravioli, elbow macaroni, or linguine.
- How can I make the pink sauce pasta more filling?
- You can add protein such as shrimp or chicken to the pasta. Alternatively, serve it alongside dishes like baked chicken breasts or steak for a heartier meal.
- What can I serve with pink sauce pasta?
- It pairs well with a simple salad, garlic bread, or dinner rolls. You can also complement it with garlic confit or a protein side like chicken or steak.
Tips
- Be cautious not to overcook the pasta initially, as it will continue to soften when mixed with the sauce later.
- Ensure the onions are fully cooked and softened before adding the tomato passata, as they won’t cook much further afterward.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference, keeping in mind that the bouillon cube will contribute a salty flavor.
- Customize the creaminess and cheesiness of the sauce according to your liking by adjusting the amount of cream and mozzarella used.
Equipment
- Large Skillet – A high-quality, large skillet is essential for cooking the sauce and combining the pasta.
- Garlic Press – Useful for mincing garlic quickly and efficiently.
- Cheese Grater – A grater for shredding mozzarella cheese if not using pre-shredded.
