How to Make the Perfect Pink Sauce Penne
Italian-American · Easy · 15 min · 2 servings
This dreamy pink sauce penne blends tomato and cream into a silky rose sauce that comes together in just 15 minutes. A quick and impressive pasta that looks and tastes restaurant-worthy with minimal effort.
Why this recipe works
This Pink Sauce Penne recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 530 calories with 14g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup marinara or crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 0.25 cup grated parmesan
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Boil the Penne
Cook penne in a large pot of well-salted boiling water until al dente according to package directions. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and saute garlic for one minute. Add crushed tomatoes and cook for two minutes then pour in heavy cream and stir to combine into a beautiful pink sauce.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Add drained penne to the pink sauce and toss well over low heat for one minute. Splash in pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
Step 4: Top and Serve
Remove from heat and finish with freshly grated parmesan and a pinch of black pepper. Serve hot right from the pan.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- heavy cream → half and half or full-fat coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free option
- marinara sauce → canned crushed tomatoes with a pinch of Italian seasoning
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Adding cream to a very hot pan without reducing heat which can cause the sauce to separate or curdle
- Under-salting the pasta water which leaves the penne tasting bland even with a flavorful sauce
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 530 calories, 14g protein, 65g carbs, 21g fat, 4g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →