About this pink sauce pasta recipe
Pink Sauce Pasta also known as Rose Pasta, is a flavorful Italian dish made by tossing pasta in a creamy & tangy pink sauce. Its signature pink hue comes from blending tomato sauce with a creamy white sauce, making it light yet satisfying—perfect for casual meals or elegant dinners.
Recipe highlights –
- Features a homemade sauce for rich, authentic flavor
- Smooth, tangy and creamy texture
- Slight Indian touch with spices and herbs
- Quick and simple—ideal for weeknight dinners
- Customizable with vegetables, cheese, or protein
Pink Sauce Pasta is a comforting, restaurant-style dish that’s easy to make at home. It’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful pasta with a touch of elegance and versatility.
What is pink sauce and how to make it?
Pink sauce is a delicious blend of red tomato sauce and creamy white sauce, resulting in a sauce with a light pink hue and a velvety smooth texture. The tomato base provides a tangy, slightly sweet flavor, while the white sauce adds richness and creaminess. When combined, these two elements balance each other perfectly, delivering a taste that’s both savory and mildly sweet.
To make the red sauce, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil, add fresh or canned tomatoes, and simmer with spices and herbs. Separately, prepare a white sauce with butter, flour and milk to form a smooth, creamy mixture.
Finally, combine the tomato and white sauces to achieve the signature pink color and silky texture. Enhance the flavor with grated parmesan or mozzarella for added depth and creaminess.
Other main ingredients
Other than the sauce, a following key ingredients are essential for adding texture, flavor, and richness to the pasta –
- Pasta – Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni works best for this recipe as it holds the sauce well, ensuring every bite is coated in creamy goodness. However, spaghetti or fettuccine can also be used.
- Vegetables – You can add a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, squash, zucchini, broccoli, carrot, sweet corn etc. to enhance the color, flavor and nutrition of your pasta. I have added zucchini and bell peppers to this recipe.
- Cheese – Parmesan, mozzarella, or mild cheddar can be added to the pasta for added creaminess.
- Spices & herbs – Fresh herbs like basil or parsley are great for garnish and add a refreshing taste. Spices like chili flakes, oregano, and black pepper enhance the taste of the pasta. For an Indian-inspired flavor, adding a pinch of garam masala or even Maggi tastemaker masala can give it a fun, chatpata twist.
How to make this pasta healthier?
In general, pink sauce pasta is likely to be high in carbohydrates and calories, as pasta is made from wheat flour and the sauce often contains cream and cheese. It may also be high in fat and sodium.
There are several ways to enhance the nutrition of pink sauce pasta :
- Choose Whole Wheat or Lentil Pasta – You can use whole wheat pasta or lentil pasta instead of white pasta. Whole wheat pasta is higher in fiber and other nutrients than white pasta. Lentil pasta will add more protein to the dish.
- Add More Vegetables – Incorporate colorful veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to increase vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Use Fresh Tomatoes or Low-Sodium Canned Tomatoes – Reducing sodium ensures a healthier sauce without sacrificing taste.
- Lighten The Sauce – Use low-fat milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter yet creamy consistency.
- Include Lean Protein – Add some lean protein like tofu to the pasta. This will help to make it a more balanced meal.
- Season Smartly – Use herbs, garlic, and spices for flavor instead of excess salt to keep sodium levels in check.
- Pair with a Salad or Steamed Vegetables – Serve with fiber-rich sides to enhance nutrition and make the meal more filling.
Serving suggestions for pink sauce pasta
You can serve pink sauce pasta as a main course along with garlic bread, green salad or soup. It can also be served as a side dish to grilled food dishes. It can also be served as an appetizer or starter for parties.
You can also top the pasta with grated cheese and bake it in the oven until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Another interesting way to eat this salad, is to cook the pasta, rinse it with cold water and toss with sauce. Then you can refrigerate it for an hour and serve it as a cold pasta.
To make pink sauce pasta at home follow the detailed step by step recipe with photos posted below.
Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe | Red & White Sauce Pasta
Recipe Info
Nutrition
Ingredients For Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe | Red & White Sauce Pasta
For cooking the pasta
- 2 Cup Penne Pasta
- 2 Teaspoons Cooking Oil
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
For making the white sauce
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 2 Tablespoons Maida (Plain Flour)
- 1 Cup Milk
For making the pasta
- 1 Tablespoon Butter
- 3 Cloves Garlic
- 1 Small Onion
- 1 Zucchini
- 1 Cup Green Capsicum (Bell Pepper / Shimla Mirch) diced
- 2 Tomatoes
- 2 Tablespoon Tomato Ketchup
- 3 Tablespoon Basil Leaves
- 1 Tablespoon Dried Red Chilli Flakes
- 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper Powder (Kali Mirch)
- 1/2 Tablespoon Dried Oregano
- 1/2 Tablespoon Mixed Italian Seasoning
- 2 Teaspoons Salt
- 1/4 Cup Grated Mozzarella
- 1 Tablespoon Parmesan Cheese
Step By Step Instructions for Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe | Red & White Sauce Pasta
- Heat water in a pot and add penne pasta to it. Add some oil and salt to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Cover the pot and cook the pasta as per the cooking instructions on the packet. Then drain and set aside.2 Cup Penne Pasta, 2 Teaspoons Cooking Oil, 1 Teaspoon Salt
- The to make the white sauce, add some butter to a pan. Then add some maida (plain flour) to the pan.2 Tablespoons Butter, 2 Tablespoons Maida (Plain Flour)
- Roast it for a minute till the maida is cooked.
- Then add milk to the pan slowly and whisk the mixture. Bring it to a boil and cook it for 2-3 minutes to make a silky sauce. Then set the sauce aside.1 Cup Milk
- In a different pan, heat some butter in a pan.1 Tablespoon Butter
- Then add some minced garlic to the pan and cook for a minute.3 Cloves Garlic
- Add finely chopped onions as well. Fry them for 2-3 minutes till they become translucent.1 Small Onion
- Add diced zucchini to the pan.1 Zucchini
- Also add diced bell peppers.1 Cup Green Capsicum (Bell Pepper / Shimla Mirch)
- Cook the vegetables for 2-3 minutes on medium heat.
- Add tomato puree to the pan. I have blanched 2 tomatoes in the microwave for 3 minutes and removed their skin to make a puree. You can also use canned tomato puree.2 Tomatoes
- Simmer the tomato puree for 5-6 minutes till the tomatoes are cooked and the gravy reduces.
- Then add some tomato ketchup to the gravy and mix well.2 Tablespoon Tomato Ketchup
- Add some chopped fresh basil leaves to the pan.3 Tablespoon Basil Leaves
- Then add red chilli flakes, black pepper powder, oregano, mixed Italian seasoning and salt. You can also add a pinch of garam masala and Maggi tastemaker masala for a hint of Indian spicy flavors.1 Tablespoon Dried Red Chilli Flakes, 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper Powder (Kali Mirch), 1/2 Tablespoon Dried Oregano, 2 Teaspoons Salt, 1/2 Tablespoon Mixed Italian Seasoning
- Mix all the ingredients well and cook for a minute.
- Add the white sauce prepared earlier to the gravy.
- Mix the white sauce with the gravy. Add a few tablespoons of water if needed to adjust the consistency.
- Add grated mozzarella cheese to the sauce.1/4 Cup Grated Mozzarella
- Mix well till the cheese melts and incorporates well into the gravy.
- Then add the cooked pasta to the pan. Fold to mix well with the sauce.
- Pink sauce pasta is ready. Serve it hot, garnished with basil and grated parmesan cheese.1 Tablespoon Parmesan Cheese
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great one!
thanks 🙂