Italian pink sauce pasta is a versatile dish loved by both adults and kids for its creamy texture and mild flavor. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a quick family meal, this recipe is a surefire hit. Packed with the rich taste of tomatoes, the creaminess of cooking cream, and the perfect balance of parmesan cheese, this dish is what comfort food dreams are made of.
What is Italian Pink Sauce?
Italian pink sauce is a pasta dressing that combines the tangy sweetness of tomato puree with the richness of cream. Unlike the traditional marinara or alfredo sauces, this sauce strikes a balance between acidity and creaminess, creating a smooth and delicate flavor. In Italy, pink sauce is often called salsa rosa or sugo rosa and is used for pasta, gnocchi, and even ravioli..
Unpacking the Flavors of Italian Pink Sauce
The magic of Italian pink sauce lies in its perfect blend of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the creamy, tangy, and rich sauce we all love.
- Tomato Puree: The foundation of the sauce, offering a balance of sweetness and tanginess. Choose a high-quality puree or make your own from fresh plum tomatoes for a homemade touch.
- Cooking Cream: This ingredient brings the signature creaminess, perfectly complementing the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Onions and Celery: These two create the aromatic base known as an Italian soffritto, infusing the sauce with depth and subtle sweetness.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and enhances the flavors when sautéing the soffritto.
- Gnocchi: A classic pasta choice for pink sauce, its pillowy texture absorbs the sauce beautifully. Rigatoni or penne are great alternatives for variety.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Thickens the sauce while adding savory, nutty notes.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Offers a fresh, herbal aroma to round off the dish.
- Seasonings: Ground black pepper and fine salt are essential for balancing flavors, while a pinch of coarse salt brings out the best in the gnocchi.
Pro Tips for Ingredient Swaps
- Swap cooking cream for ricotta for a lighter texture or try adding fresh garlic cloves for an extra layer of flavor.
- Experiment with flavored oils, like garlic-infused olive oil, to add depth without additional steps.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Italian Pink Sauce
Prepare the Sauce
- Dice the onion and celery finely.
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan and sauté the vegetables until the onion is golden.
- Add tomato puree and let it simmer for 8 minutes on low heat.
- Stir in cooking cream and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add salt and black pepper to taste.
Cook the Pasta
- Boil gnocchi in salted water for 1 minute less than the suggested time.
- Reserve a ladleful of cooking water before draining the pasta.
Combine and Serve
- Mix the gnocchi, pink sauce, and reserved water in the saucepan over high heat for 1 minute.
- Stir in grated parmesan cheese and basil leaves.
- Cover the saucepan, let it sit for 5 minutes, and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Italian Pink Sauce
- Don’t Rush the Simmering: Letting the sauce simmer allows flavors to meld perfectly.
- Balance the Salt: With parmesan cheese in the mix, adjust additional salt carefully.
- Choose the Right Pasta: Thicker pastas like rigatoni or ravioli work best to hold the creamy sauce.
What to Serve with Italian Pink Sauce Pasta
- Protein: Pair with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy pork cutlets.
- Salad: A simple Caprese or green salad with vinaigrette complements this dish.
- Bread: Serve with garlic bread or fresh focaccia for a complete meal.
- Wine: A crisp Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied red like Chianti pairs wonderfully.
FAQ: All About Italian Pink Sauce
What’s the difference between pink sauce and vodka sauce?
Vodka sauce is similar to pink sauce but includes vodka and sometimes chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Use whole milk and consider adding a thickening agent like cornstarch.
What pasta shapes work best?
Thicker shapes like penne, rigatoni, or gnocchi are ideal as they hold the sauce well.
How long does pink sauce last?
Store pink sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Elevate Your Italian Pink Sauce Pasta
Now that you know how to make the perfect Italian pink sauce, it’s time to get creative in the kitchen. Try adding mushrooms, pancetta, or even a splash of brandy for a unique twist.
Have your own variations or tips?
Share them in the comments below!
Print
Italian pink sauce pasta
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
1 can of tomato puree
1 cup cooking cream
1 onion
1 celery stick
10 oz gnocchi
3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Extra-virgin olive oil to taste
Fresh basil leaves to taste
Ground black pepper to taste
1 pinch of fine salt
2 tbsp coarse salt
Instructions
- Fill a pot with ¾ water and put it on the stove right before step 1. This way, when the sauce is ready, the water will be already boiling.
- Dice the onion and celery finely, like Chuck does in the video below.
- Sautee the vegetables in a saucepan with a little olive oil.
- When the onion starts to brown, add the tomato puree and let it simmer over low heat for about 8 minutes.
- Add the cooking cream, stir gently with a wooden spoon, and keep cooking for another 5 minutes.
- Add the ground black pepper and a pinch of salt.
- Salt the boiling water and add the gnocchi, then cook them for 1 minute less than the cooking time written on their box. Save a ladleful of cooking water and drain the pasta.
- Add the pasta and the cooking water, and stir for another minute over high heat.
- Add the grated parmesan cheese and the basil leaves, and stir for another 30 seconds.
- Serve and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Pasta
- Cuisine: Italian
