This Easy Pink Señoritas Pasta is a fun and creamy dish that brings a colorful twist to your dinner table. It features pasta tossed in a delightful sauce made from tomatoes and cream!
What’s not to love about a pasta that’s both creamy and colorful? I like to add some fresh herbs on top to make it shine even more. You can’t go wrong with a dish that’s this easy and tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Use penne or rigatoni for a great texture that holds on to the sauce. If you prefer a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free pasta made from rice or chickpeas. Whole wheat pasta adds more fiber, too!
Canned Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes are ideal for a smooth sauce. You can substitute with diced tomatoes for a chunkier texture or use fresh tomatoes when in season. Just make sure to blanch and peel them.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its creamy pink color. If you want a lighter option, consider using half-and-half or a light cream. For a dairy-free version, coconut milk works surprisingly well!
Cheese: Parmesan adds great flavor. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can provide that cheesy taste. Pecorino can also be a nice substitute for a saltier flavor.
How Do You Get the Perfect Creamy Pink Sauce?
Creating a creamy pink sauce is all about balancing the ingredients. Here’s how to achieve a smooth texture and vibrant flavor:
- Start by sautéing garlic and onion in olive oil until soft—this builds a tasty base.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and let them simmer for a few minutes. This helps to develop the flavor.
- When you stir in the heavy cream, make sure the heat is low to prevent curdling. This keeps your sauce silky.
- Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese off the heat to avoid clumping. Stir well for an even distribution.
This technique results in a delicious trap for your pasta and a sauce that’s beautiful and flavorful!
Easy Pink Señoritas Pasta Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (14 oz/400 g) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook. In about 25 minutes, you’ll have a delicious creamy pink pasta ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm but not hard). Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This will give your pasta a delicious base flavor!
3. Make the Sauce:
Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet and stir well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly for richer flavor.
4. Add Cream for Color:
Stir in the heavy cream, mixing until the sauce attains a light pink color. If you want a bit of heat, add the crushed red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Reduce the heat to low and carefully add the drained pasta to the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in that lovely pink sauce.
6. Add Cheese and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is melted and well combined. Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color!
Enjoy your creamy and flavorful Easy Pink Señoritas Pasta that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
FAQ About Easy Pink Señoritas Pasta
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne or rigatoni work best for this recipe, feel free to use any pasta shape you like, such as fusilli, farfalle, or spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time based on the specific pasta you choose.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut milk or cashew cream works well to maintain the creamy texture!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Pink Señoritas Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.
Can I Add Vegetables or Protein to This Pasta?
Definitely! This pasta is versatile, so feel free to add sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms, or include cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage for additional flavor and protein!
