Oh, the eternal saucy debate that has divided households for years! I finally figured out that the key to a harmonious family dinner is finding the perfect compromise. No, it’s not signing the 37th Treaty of Tomato and Alfredo – it’s the Pink Pasta Sauce!
I mean, have you ever been in a situation where your culinary life feels like the Capulets against the Montagues, battling over red and white sauce royalty? Don’t think I’m siding with Team Red here, but, like, why not blend the extremes?
This Pink Pasta Sauce is the Romeo and Juliet of the sauce world. Just as the star-crossed lovers found a way to be together, so too does this delicious middle-ground recipe. A culinary testament to love conquering all biases.
By the time you’re done reading this post, you’ll see why the age-old debate is, dare I say, completely irrelevant. So dive in with me as we bridge the gap between the Reds and the Whites and create the ultimate peace treaty – in your very own kitchen. With this creation, we might just achieve that much-needed world peace (at least on pasta night).
Ingredients
- Pasta – The vessel that holds the sauce, perfect for carb-loading.
- Butter – Adds richness to the sauce that can’t be beat, and everything is better with butter.
- Garlic – A flavor powerhouse that elevates the dish, adding depth without too many calories.
- Italian sausage – Adds a savory flavor to the sauce, making it heartier. Can be substituted with mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- Tomato sauce – The base of the sauce, providing a nice acidity to balance out the creaminess. Also, a great way to get your daily dose of tomatoes and their health benefits.
- Half & half – The secret ingredient that makes the sauce extra creamy and dreamy. Can be substituted with heavy cream or milk.
- Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty flavor that takes the sauce to the next level, with added protein. Can be substituted with nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
- Salt and pepper – Brings out all the flavors in the dish and makes it taste just right.
- Parsley – Adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the dish, making it feel fancy. Also, a great way to add greens to the dish without overwhelming the other flavors.
Instructions
- Cooking pasta can be a bit of a task, but don’t worry – this sauce recipe will make it all worth it! First things first, get a pot of water boiling and cook your pasta according to the package instructions. You’ll want to undercook it just slightly, because it will continue to cook when you add it to the sauce later on.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat up a skillet over medium-high heat and add half a stick of butter to melt. Once the butter is melted, toss in 2 teaspoons of minced garlic and cook until lightly browned. Be careful not to burn it though, we want that garlic flavor to shine through!
- Now, it’s time to add the protein of your choice. You can use Italian sausage, ham, or even chicken or steak. For sausage, break it up into small pieces using a wooden spoon and cook until browned. For ham, cook until it “pops” in the pan. And for chicken or steak, cut it into strips or cubes and make sure it’s cooked through before moving on to the next step.
- Once the meat is cooked through, add in 2 cups of tomato sauce and stir until well-blended. Now, turn the heat down to low and gradually pour in 1 cup of half and half while stirring. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce is well-blended.
- Add your cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it around to coat it in the sauce. Mix in 1 cup of Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s fully combined. Top with parsley if desired and enjoy!
Notes:
- you can use any meat you like, but make sure it’s cooked through before adding the sauce ingredients.
- don’t forget to add the half and half gradually, not all at once, to avoid curdling.
- Break up any chunks of Parmesan as you add it to the sauce for a smoother texture. Happy eating!
Serving Suggestions for Pink Pasta Sauce
- Serve it with your favorite pasta. This pink sauce is versatile and goes well with all shapes and sizes of pasta! Try it with spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or even rigatoni.
- Pair it with some grilled chicken or shrimp. If you’re looking to add a little extra protein to your meal, this sauce would be great with some grilled chicken or shrimp. Simply season with your favorite spices and grill to perfection.
- Make it a meat lover’s delight. If you’re a meat lover, this pink sauce is for you! Try adding some crispy bacon, crumbled Italian sausage, or diced ham to make it a hearty meal.
- Serve it as a dip. This pink pasta sauce makes for a delicious dip! Try serving it with some crusty bread, crackers, or even veggies. Perfect for game day or a casual get-together with friends.
- Turn it into a creamy pink pasta salad. This sauce is perfect for a creamy pasta salad! Cook up some pasta, toss it with this pink sauce, and add in some cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and mozzarella cheese.
No matter how you serve it, this pink pasta sauce is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, whip up a batch, and enjoy a delicious meal in no time!
FAQ’s
What kind of meat can I use in this recipe?
You can use any meat you like! Some options include Italian sausage, ham, or chicken or steak. Just make sure the meat is cooked through before adding the sauce ingredients, and season as desired before cooking. Just be mindful of the salt levels before adding more.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Sure thing! You can use any type of pasta you prefer, like spaghetti or rigatoni. Just make sure to cook the pasta so it’s slightly underdone, since it’ll continue to cook when you add it to the sauce.
How do I make sure the half & half doesn’t curdle in the sauce?
Great question! To prevent curdling, be sure to add the half & half gradually and only after you’ve lowered the heat. It’s also a good idea to break up any chunks of Parmesan as you’re adding it to the sauce, as well.
Can I use any other cheese instead of Parmesan?
You can use any cheese you like. Some other options are Pecorino Romano, Gouda, or Feta. However, Parmesan gives a nutty, salty flavor which is uniquely its own.
How long does this recipe take to make?
Cook Time: 15 mins, Total Time: 15 mins, this recipe takes only 15 minutes to make. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Sure thing! Instead of using butter, you can use olive oil or coconut oil, and instead of using meat, you can use tempeh or mushrooms. Instead of using half & half, you can use plant-based milk like oat or soy. For the cheese, you can use nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.
Pink Pasta Sauce
Equipment
- Skillet
- Colander
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 16 ounces dried pasta, preferably short pasta like penne or rigatoni
- ½ stick unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 cups high-quality tomato sauce
- 1 cup half & half
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium heat until melted. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the Italian sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it up into small pieces using a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Gradually pour in the half & half, stirring constantly, and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir to combine.
- Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve.
Nutrition
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