Welcome to my kitchen! Today we're making a gorgeous Rose Pasta that's become a weeknight hero in my house. It's the perfect blend of tangy tomatoes and rich cream, all tossed with al dente pasta in a silky sauce that clings to every noodle.
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This dish came about on a busy Tuesday when I wanted something indulgent but quick. The result? A rosy-hued sauce that's both comforting and elegant. It's my go-to when I need a satisfying meal without a ton of fuss.
With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a restaurant-quality pasta that will impress your family or guests. Let's get started!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
12 oz (340g) penne pasta
Any short pasta works; use gluten-free if needed.
2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
Extra virgin for best flavor; can use butter.
4 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic is best; use 1 tsp powder in a pinch.
1 (28 oz / 790g) can crushed tomatoes
San Marzano tomatoes are sweeter; use any good quality crushed tomatoes.
1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
Substitute with half-and-half or coconut cream for lighter options.
1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
Freshly grated melts better; use Pecorino for a sharper flavor.
1 tsp dried oregano
Or 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped.
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Adds a gentle heat; omit for mild version.
Salt and black pepper to taste
Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper recommended.
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Optional but adds freshness and color.
Tips & Tricks
- Don't overcook the pasta – cook to al dente as it will continue cooking in the sauce.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it.
- Stir the cream in off the heat to prevent curdling.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Sauté the Garlic
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (350°F / 175°C). Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
3. Simmer the Tomato Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened and the flavors meld.
4. Add the Cream
Reduce heat to low (250°F / 120°C). Slowly stir in the heavy cream, mixing until the sauce turns a rosy pink. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, but do not boil, to keep the cream smooth.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained penne to the skillet. Toss well to coat every piece in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until it reaches desired consistency.
6. Add the Cheese
Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into a silky sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Garnish and Serve
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Add an extra sprinkle of cheese on top if desired.
Delicious Variations
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Stir in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for veggies.
- Use vodka sauce instead of crushed tomatoes for a classic twist.
How to Store Rose Pasta
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to restore creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is rose pasta?
Rose pasta is a dish where a pink sauce is made by combining tomato sauce and cream, creating a rosy color. It's a popular Italian-American comfort food.
Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can use whole milk or half-and-half, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Add a little cornstarch slurry if you need to thicken it.
Q: How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
Add the cream over low heat and stir constantly. Avoid boiling the sauce after adding cream. Also, let the sauce cool slightly before adding cream.
Q: Can I make this vegan?
Use a plant-based cream (like coconut or soy) and vegan Parmesan. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
I hope you enjoy this Rose Pasta as much as we do! If you try it, let me know in the comments below. Happy cooking!
Rose Pasta
Rose pasta is a creamy, tomato-based one-pan dinner that's ready in 30 minutes and tastes like comfort food.
🧂 Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
- 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz / 790g) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
📋 Instructions
- 1Boil the Pasta — Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- 2Sauté the Garlic — While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (350°F / 175°C). Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- 3Simmer the Tomato Sauce — Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened and the flavors meld.
- 4Add the Cream — Reduce heat to low (250°F / 120°C). Slowly stir in the heavy cream, mixing until the sauce turns a rosy pink. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, but do not boil, to keep the cream smooth.
- 5Combine Pasta and Sauce — Add the drained penne to the skillet. Toss well to coat every piece in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until it reaches desired consistency.
- 6Add the Cheese — Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into a silky sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- 7Garnish and Serve — Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Add an extra sprinkle of cheese on top if desired.
Maya writes about sustainable living and urban gardening, focusing on practical tips for small spaces. She experiments with DIY projects and shares what works in her own apartment.
