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    Cucina by Elena » Recipes » Italian Pasta Recipes

    Italian Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe (Tomato Cream)

    Published: Apr 27, 2022 · Modified: Nov 20, 2023 by Elena · 22 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    Italian Pink Sauce Recipe (Tomato Cream)- a crave-worthy 20-minute pasta sauce with a few simple ingredients for a busy weeknight. An easy pasta dish that brings everyone to the table.

    This beautiful Italian pink sauce is a simple tomato cream sauce for any pasta. It is also known as Rose or Parma Rosa Sauce. Also, an excellent sauce for lobster ravioli!

    Penne in pink sauce on a plate.
    Plate of penne and pink sauce
    Jump to:
    • What is Italian Pink Sauce?
    • Recipe Ingredients
    • How To Make Pink Pasta Sauce
    • Substitutions
    • Recipe Variations
    • Top tips
    • Equipment for recipe
    • Make ahead and storage
    • What To Serve With This Recipe
    • Recipe Video
    • Pink Sauce Recipe

    What is Italian Pink Sauce?

    Italian pink sauce is one of the most simple creamy tomato sauces to prepare for seasoning any type of pasta.

    This pink tomato cream sauce gets the name "rosa", or pink, in Italian, from the mix of heavy white whipping cream and red tomato puree. You can make the sauce more or less pink depending on your ratios.

    You can prepare it in only 30 minutes, making it a great recipe for a fast yet delectable Italian-style pasta night. 

    Recipe Ingredients

    With only a few simple ingredients and little time, you can have this restaurant-style recipe ready in no time at all.

    Ingredients needed for the pasta and pink sauce recipe
    Ingredients for Italian Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe (Tomato Cream)
    • Penne pasta or other pasta of choice
    • Extra virgin olive oil
    • Fresh Garlic
    • Yellow Onion
    • Tomato puree  
    • Tomato paste 
    • Heavy Cream
    • Fresh Basil
    • Salt (for pasta water)
    • Parmigiano or parmesan cheese
    • Optional (red pepper flakes)

    See recipe card for quantities.

    How To Make Pink Pasta Sauce

    The process for pink pasta sauce is simple and straightforward making this an easy go-to pasta sauce recipe.

    Your delicious pasta sauce is just a few simple steps away...

    Photos 1-4

    1. Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 5 minutes or until onions are soft and translucent, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute. 
    2. Pour in tomato puree and tomato paste. Stir well to combine. 
    3. Add salt and bring to a soft boil, then lower heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes.
    Italian Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe (Tomato Cream)- process of sautéing the onions and garlic, adding tomato puree and tomato paste
    First steps to making pink sauce

    Photos 5-11

    1. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente texture. Read my detailed guide to make the perfect pasta every time! Make sure you have the right pasta tool for stirring pasta!
    2. Add cream, parmigiano cheese, and fresh basil to the tomato sauce. Stir to combine. Let bubble for a few minutes on low heat. Turn off the heat. Take the pan off the stovetop.
    3. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water and drain the pasta. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the reserved pasta water. Stir until well combined.
    4. Serve with extra parmigiano cheese, red pepper flakes (if deserved), and a few fresh basil leaves. Mangia! (Eat!)
    Italian Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe (Tomato Cream)- process: adding the cream, letting it simmer, adding the parmigiano and basil leaves
    Final steps to making pasta sauce

    Hint: Don't forget to taste test your pasta for 'al dente' texture and save a little pasta water to create the perfect sauce!

    Italian Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe (Tomato Cream)- taste testing pasta and mixing with pink sauce
    Combining pasta sauce with perfectly cooked pasta
    Finished sauce in pan. A pretty pink sauce with a leaf of basil for decoration.
    The perfect pink sauce
    Pasta and sauce are tossed in a pan to combine. Photo of finished dish in pan.
    Pasta and pink sauce combined in the pan

    Make sure to look at the ingredients in your whipping cream. Some brands add stabilizers to make the cream have more 'body' instead of ONLY using cream.

    This can result in a sauce that isn't as smooth.

    TIP: DON'T boil the sauce on high heat, or it may affect the cream and cause it to split while cooking

    Penne in pink sauce on a plate with a fork in it. The pan of the pasta and sauce is in the background.

    Substitutions

    This sauce encompasses bold and bright flavors with heavy cream tomato sauce. If you are looking to make this dish a little lighter or dairy free- try these substitutions:

    • DAIRY FREE: Use canned Coconut milk in place of heavy cream.
    • LIGHT: Use Half and Half or Whole Milk instead of heavy cream.

    These substitutions will slightly change the flavor and texture, but they are equally enjoyable!

    Recipe Variations

    Turn this delicious and simple recipe up a notch with these variation ideas.

    • Spicy - add chili pepper flakes while cooking the onions to imbue heat into the dish.
    • Deluxe - add bacon, pancetta, and Italian sausage to add protein
    • Boozy - add 1 tablespoon of vodka while cooking the onions to turn this into the American version called- vodka sauce. If you don't have vodka on hand you can use white wine.
    • Pasta Water: If you need to thicken the sauce more, save and add a little pasta water.
    • Italian Seasoning or herbs- add a sprinkle of herbs to brighten the dish
    • Cheese - add some mozzarella cheese to the top instead of parmigiano

    Top tips

    • DO use a good quality tomato sauce
    • Don't boil the sauce on high heat; it may affect the cream and cause it to split while cooking.

    More delicious recipes for you

    • Cheese and Broccoli Pasta Bake with White Sauce
    • Classic Italian Lasagna Bolognese with Bechamel Sauce
    • Easy Baked Honey Orange Sesame Salmon
    • Dad's Famous Dry Rub Pork Ribs (EASY)
    Penne in pink sauce on a plate with a fork in it. The pan of the pasta and sauce is in the background.

    Equipment for recipe

    You only need a large skillet to make the sauce and mix the pasta in the hot pan to coat the sauce evenly.

    I use my Pasta Server & Spaghetti Portion Utensil to stir the pasta and mix it with the sauce.

    Make ahead and storage

    Yes, you can make this sauce ahead of time and store it.

    • The sauce can be made a few days ahead and kept in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, heat on the stove and add freshly cooked pasta. 
    • Leftovers can be warmed and covered, in the microwave. Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk or hot pasta water to loosen up the pasta if needed.
    Can I Use Any Kind Of Pasta In This Recipe?

    For this recipe, I love a short pasta variety. You can try elbow macaroni, penne, rigatoni, or shells. It works perfectly well with long pasta or even ravioli! To read more about what sauces go well with what sauces, see the chart in this post: Cheap vs. Expensive Pasta (Why Pasta Quality Matters!).

    What Kind Of Tomato Puree Is Best For This Recipe?

    Using the right tomato puree is key to achieving the best sauce. I recommend using a good quality brand that uses tomatoes picked at the peak of ripeness.
    Don't use a brand that uses a lot of citric acids to preserve freshness- or it can make the sauce acidic. TIP: If you end up with a sauce that is a little acidic, add a teaspoon of sugar. (Brands I recommend: Bianco DiNapoli Organic Whole Peeled Tomatoes, Cento Italian Style, Dellalo San Marzano, or Muir Glen Organic.)
    If you use whole tomatoes and instead of the puree make sure to blend the tomato until smooth before using them in this recipe.

    Why add tomato paste to tomato sauce?

    Adding a little tomato paste to the sauce intensifies the rich tomato flavor. The concentrated, bold tomato flavor makes this sauce extra tasty! The addition of heavy cream can slightly hide the sensational tomato taste and the tomato paste helps bring it back.

    Are there other names for pink sauce?

    Vodka Sauce- American version
    Pink Marinara Sauce- American
    Sugo Rosa- Italy
    Rosé Sauce (rose sauce)- France
    Salsa Rosada- Columbia. 

    What To Serve With This Recipe

    The pink sauce pasta recipe makes an easy side dish for Best Italian Stuffed Chicken Thighs (Involtini di Pollo) or Best Salmon Piccata Recipe. Serve with a simple salad and homemade bread!

    Don't forget dessert: Simple Italian Apple Cake (one bowl), Classic Italian Tiramisu Recipe (Authentic), or Best Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust!

    Or try serving the sauce over chicken, sausage, shrimp, or even as a sauce for homemade pizza.

    Recipe Video

    This recipe is super easy to make! Watch the video to see.

    Penne in pink sauce on a plate with a fork in it.

    Make sure to leave a ⭐️star rating on the recipe card and comment below if you make the recipe. I love to connect with you through my recipes.

    I would love for you to tag me on Instagram @cucinabyelena so I can see your delicious Italian recipes. To get more ideas, follow me on Pinterest.

    Print
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    Penne in pink sauce on a plate with a fork in it.

    Pink Sauce Recipe

    ★★★★★

    5 from 10 reviews

    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Italian Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe (Tomato Cream)- a crave worthy 20 minute pasta sauce with a few simple ingredients for a busy weeknight. An easy pasta dish that brings everyone to the table.

    • Total Time: 20 minutes
    • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 1 lb (454 grams) pasta of choice
    • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
    • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
    • ½ yellow onion, diced
    • 1 can (28 oz) tomato puree
    • ½ tablespoon tomato paste
    • ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
    • ½ cup parmigiano (more for serving)
    • ½ cup fresh basil torn by hands (more for garnish)
    • Optional (red pepper flakes for serving)
    • Salt (for pasta water)

    Instructions

    1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet pan over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 5 minutes or until onions are soft and translucent, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute. 
    2. Pour in tomato puree and tomato paste. Stir well to combine.  Add salt and bring to a soft boil, then lower heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes.
    3. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente texture.
    4. Add cream, parmigiano cheese, and fresh basil to the creamy tomato sauce. Stir to combine. Let bubble for a few minutes on low heat. Turn off the heat. Take the pan off the stovetop.
    5. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water and drain the pasta. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the reserved pasta water. Stir until well combined.
    6. Serve with extra parmigiano cheese, red pepper flakes (if deserved), and a few fresh basil leaves. Mangia! (Eat!)

    Notes

    Storage: 

    • The sauce can be made a few days ahead and kept in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, heat on stove and add freshly cooked pasta. 
    • Leftovers can be warmed, covered, in the microwave. Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk or hot pasta water to loosen up the pasta if needed.
    • Author: Elena
    • Prep Time: 5 min
    • Cook Time: 15 minutes
    • Category: Savory
    • Method: Italian
    • Cuisine: Italian

    Keywords: pasta, carbonara, pasta pink sauce, Italian cream tomato sauce, easy dinner, easy meal, authentic Italian, salsa rosa

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @cucinabyelena on Instagram when you make the recipe! I would love to see it. Don't forget to leave a STAR RATING and REVIEW on this post. Thank you!

    More traditional Italian pasta sauce recipes: Best Arrabbiata Sauce Recipe (Spicy Spaghetti Sauce), Authentic Italian Pasta Puttanesca Sauce, Restaurant Style Italian Cacio e Pepe (Best Tips), Lemon Butter Pasta Sauce (Pasta al Limone), and Authentic Italian Pesto Genovese (Basil Pesto).

    If you are looking for traditional tomato sauce or red sauce rather than a creamy tomato sauce try Classic Italian Tomato Sauce (Sugo al Pomodoro). This pink sauce pasta recipe pairs well with this BEST Breaded Chicken Cutlets (Italian).

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Angi says

      August 28, 2023 at 7:02 pm

      Hi, I made more that I need and so I canned the rest, after that I saw on internet that is not advisable to can sauce made with dairy. I just want to make sure so I ask you, did you ever canned this sauce? I buy pink sauce canned so I figured why not but then they are for sure some added preservatives. Should I keep them in the fridge?

      Reply
      • Elena says

        August 29, 2023 at 8:31 am

        Hi, I've never canned this sauce. Yes, keep it in the fridge!

        Reply
    2. Kristin says

      April 12, 2023 at 8:37 pm

      Delicious! My family loved it!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        April 13, 2023 at 9:54 am

        Yay! Happy it was a hit with the entire family!

        Reply
    3. Marisa says

      March 30, 2023 at 1:53 pm

      This dish turned out exactly the way I hoped! It was so easy and so delicious! I used canned whole tomatoes and just pureed them for the puree. So simple! I will be making this again and again.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        March 30, 2023 at 2:05 pm

        Hi Marisa, Happy you loved the recipe! It is super easy and flavorful.

        Reply
    4. Pam DiCesare says

      January 17, 2023 at 6:33 pm

      Pink sauce is one of my favorites and this recipe is delicious 💗

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        January 19, 2023 at 9:55 am

        Thrilled you loved it! It is easy and delicious.

        Reply
    5. Lucy Zita says

      December 25, 2022 at 7:26 pm

      Great sauce.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        December 28, 2022 at 2:54 pm

        Happy you loved it. Super easy and flavorful.

        Reply
    6. Meg says

      July 31, 2022 at 7:31 pm

      Delicious!!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        August 04, 2022 at 7:02 pm

        Happy you loved it!!

        Reply
    7. Megan says

      July 12, 2022 at 1:13 pm

      This recipe is extremely easy to make with very few ingredients. I will definitely be making it again.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        July 12, 2022 at 1:47 pm

        So happy you loved it! I make it often for a wholesome and easy pasta meal.

        Reply
    8. Megan says

      July 12, 2022 at 1:13 pm

      This recipe is extremely easy to make with very few ingredients. My family loved it! I will definitely be making it again.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    9. Megan says

      July 12, 2022 at 1:12 pm

      Not only was this recipe delicious, it was extremely easy to make with very few ingredients. My family loved it!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        July 12, 2022 at 1:48 pm

        It is a great recipe that everyone is sure to love! I am happy it was well received by your family.

        Reply
    10. Shelly says

      May 20, 2022 at 2:16 pm

      What brand of tomato purée would you recommend?

      Reply
      • Elena says

        May 20, 2022 at 4:39 pm

        Hello Shelly,

        See the ones I recommend in this post- https://www.cucinabyelena.com/sugo-al-pomodoro-classic-tomato-sauce/. Hope you love the recipe!

        Reply
    11. Jordan Davis says

      May 07, 2022 at 8:58 pm

      Love this pasta!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        May 08, 2022 at 1:52 am

        Thanks babe!

        Reply
    12. Elena says

      May 01, 2022 at 8:49 pm

      Go to recipe for an easy dinner!

      ★★★★★

      Reply

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    Ciao! I'm Elena. Welcome to my cucina (kitchen). I was born in Italy and grew up spending my summers on the beaches of Sardegna cooking, eating, and sharing tasty Italian meals. Here you will find trusted, achievable, and delicious Italian (and more) recipes that highlight fresh ingredients with a simple process.

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