This Pink Pasta recipe is a creamy pasta dish with rigatoni in a pink sauce made with shallots, garlic, white wine, tomato paste, and heavy cream. It is simple to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
About the recipe
This is a crowd pleasing dish that combines al dente rigatoni with a blush colored sauce made by the combination of tomato paste and heavy cream. Sauteed shallots and garlic in the sauce add a depth of flavor that pairs well with the creamy texture. Top this pasta dish with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and it is perfect for anyone craving a simple and satisfying meal.
This creamy tomato sauce is like a vodka sauce without the vodka! I love serving this with garlic bread, fresh vegetables, and a good bottle of wine. This is a great date night recipe for Valentine's Day!
If you are looking for more pasta recipes, check out our: Miso Pasta, Lobster Pasta, Saffron Pasta, Mushroom Pappardelle Pasta or Pesto Gnocchi.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
Simple - This easy pasta recipe combines a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward instructions. It is a perfect option for both new and experienced cooks alike.
Versatile - This pasta dish can be easily customized by adding extra ingredients like vegetables, protein, or herbs. You will love the option to make this just how you want it!
Delicious - The creamy and tangy pink pasta sauce, savory shallots and garlic, and the al dente rigatoni pasta create a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need for this pink sauce pasta recipe:
- Rigatoni - You will need one pound of rigatoni pasta.
- Olive oil - Use extra virgin olive oil.
- Shallot
- Garlic - Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Red pepper flake
- Salt & black pepper
- White wine
- Tomato paste
- Heavy cream - You can substitute whole milk or half and half if desired.
- Parmesan cheese
Directions
Let's make creamy pink pasta together!
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil, add pasta and cook al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallot and sauté for 5 minutes, or until softened.
Step 3: Add the garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes or until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the white wine and tomato paste. Stir until smooth.
Step 5: Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked pasta, heavy cream, and ½ cup of the pasta water. Toss to combine, until glossy. Add more pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed.
Step 6: Top with parmesan cheese, serve and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
Here are some expert tips to make this recipe:
Reserve pasta water - Save some of the pasta cooking water before draining it. This starchy water can help to thicken the sauce and make it cling to the pasta better.
Cook pasta al dente - Be sure to cook the rigatoni just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when tossed in the sauce.
Serve immediately - This pasta dish is best enjoyed immediately after tossing with the sauce to prevent the pasta from becoming too soft and the sauce from thickening too much.
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this easy pasta dish. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
Large Pot - A large pot is essential in every kitchen to make soups, boil pasta, and so many other things!
Large skillet - You'll want a high quality large skillet with high sides.
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this creamy pasta recipe.
Red pepper flakes - Adjust the level of heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preference
Additions - Add some chicken or shrimp to incorporate a little protein. You could even try adding in some extra vegetables like fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers. Add chopped fresh basil leaves, parsley, or thyme just before serving for extra flavor.
What To Serve With
Here are some recipes to serve alongside this pink pasta dish:
Italian Chopped Salad - This Italian chopped salad is a hearty salad filled with fresh vegetables, salami, mozzarella, and kalamata olives. It is topped with a delicious homemade Italian vinaigrette that is made with red wine vinegar, dijon mustard and Italian seasoning.
Margherita Flatbread - This Margherita Flatbread is made with slices of fresh tomatoes, flavorful basil, gooey mozzarella cheese, and dollops of pesto all on top of a crispy flatbread crust.
Sautéed Sweet Potatoes - This super easy sautéed sweet potatoes recipe is the perfect flavor packed side dish. They're my favorite way to make sweet potatoes!
Frequently Asked Questions
Pink pasta typically refers to a pasta dish that features a pink or blush colored sauce. This sauce is often created by combining ingredients like tomato paste or puree with heavy cream. It is known for its creamy yet tangy flavor profile.
While the recipe suggests using rigatoni, you can get creative and use different shapes like penne, fusilli, or fettuccine. Be mindful of adjusting the cooking time according to the specific pasta shape you choose to ensure it's cooked al dente.
If you don't have white wine on hand or prefer not to use it, you can substitute it with chicken broth or vegetable broth.
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage instructions for this easy recipe.
Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.
Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat until warm. You can also reheat in the microwave.
Other Recipes to Try
Pink Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb rigatoni
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 shallot diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup white wine
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallot and sauté for 5 minutes, until softened.
- Add garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add white wine and tomato paste. Stir until smooth.
- Reduce heat to low. Add pasta, heavy cream, and ½ cup pasta water. Toss to combine, until glossy. Add more pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time if necessary.
- Top with parmesan cheese and serve.
Did You Make This Recipe?
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