Pink Sauce Penne

Creamy Pink Sauce Pasta coated penne pasta served on a white plate, garnished with grated cheese and fresh parsley, with a fork on the side

Tender penne pasta coated in a luscious pink sauce with Parmesan and mozzarella, creating a rich and comforting 30-minute meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Servings: 4

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Comfort Food, Italian

Calories: 430

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

3 tablespoon butter unsalted, for sautéing garlic
3 cloves garlic minced, for aromatic flavor
2 tablespoon tomato paste for rich tomato base
8 oz tomato sauce plain or seasoned
1 cup half and half half milk, half cream, for creaminess
¼ cup chicken broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian option
1 chicken bouillon cube crushed, optional for extra flavor
1 teaspoon honey balances acidity
1 teaspoon hot sauce optional, for mild heat
½ cup Parmesan cheese grated, for flavor and thickness
½ cup Mozzarella cheese shredded, for melty texture
½ lb penne pasta or ziti/rigatoni, cooked al dente
½ cup reserved pasta water to thin sauce if needed
1 teaspoon onion powder seasoning
½ teaspoon dried oregano herb flavor
½ teaspoon mustard powder subtle depth
Pinch red pepper flakes optional, for mild spice

Method

Combine tomato sauce, half and half, chicken broth, bouillon cube, honey, hot sauce, onion powder, oregano, mustard powder, and red pepper flakes in a bowl and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
Gradually add the prepared tomato sauce mixture in portions, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer while pasta cooks.
Sprinkle in Parmesan and Mozzarella gradually over low heat, stirring until fully melted and incorporated.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. If needed, add reserved pasta water to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
Serve immediately with garlic bread or a simple side salad.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 ServingCalories: 430kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 18gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 220mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This pink sauce pasta is creamy, comforting, and ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a simple salad.

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