Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.4 from 6 reviews

This Pink Sauce Pasta recipe features a creamy, flavorful tomato vodka sauce combined with perfectly cooked pasta, enhanced by garlic, red pepper flakes, parmesan cheese, and a touch of butter for richness. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish offers a comforting blend of tangy, spicy, and creamy flavors, garnished with fresh basil for a vibrant finish.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 8 ounces pasta (orecchiette, rigatoni, penne, bow ties, large macaroni, gnocchi, ravioli or tortellini)

Sauce

  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 6 ounces tomato paste
  • ¼ cup vodka
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream (light cream can be used)
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Optional: shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Boil the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions in heavily salted water. Reserve ½ to 1 cup of pasta water before draining for use in the sauce.
  2. Sauté onions: In a wide-bottom pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they soften and begin to develop a light golden color.
  3. Add garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about one minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Incorporate spices and tomato paste: Stir in red pepper flakes and tomato paste. Cook this mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to develop a deep, rich flavor.
  5. Add vodka: Pour in the vodka, stirring well, and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to let the alcohol cook off and flavors meld.
  6. Combine cream: Lower the heat to medium-low and whisk in the heavy cream until smooth. Continue whisking for a few minutes as the mixture emulsifies and turns creamy.
  7. Mix cheese and pasta water: Add the grated parmesan cheese and the reserved pasta water, whisking continuously until the sauce is consistent and has a lovely rosy color.
  8. Combine pasta and sauce: Drain the pasta thoroughly and add it to the creamy sauce in the pan.
  9. Finish with butter and seasoning: Stir in the butter until melted and well incorporated. Adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, and additional red pepper flakes if desired.
  10. Garnish and serve: Garnish the pasta with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately. Optionally, top with shredded mozzarella cheese and accompany with garlic bread for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
  • Use light cream as a lower-fat alternative if preferred.
  • Add additional red pepper flakes for more heat, or reduce for a milder dish.
  • This sauce pairs well with various pasta types; choose your favorite shapes for different textures.
  • For an extra cheesy twist, sprinkle mozzarella on top before serving.
  • Ensure to stir continuously when adding cream to avoid curdling and achieve a smooth sauce.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/pink-sauce-pasta-recipe/