Rose Shrimp Pasta – Italian Pink Sauce

In the rich aroma of sizzling garlic and butter, the kitchen transforms into an Italian trattoria as you prepare this delightful dish. Rose Shrimp Pasta – Italian Pink Sauce comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a quick yet indulgent meal. The secret to its charm lies in the creamy tomato sauce that perfectly binds the pasta strands and complements the succulent shrimp.

This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want to impress your loved ones. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be made ahead of time; simply store it in the fridge for up to three days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The creamy tomato sauce adds a delightful texture to the dish.
• It only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy evenings.
• Cooking the pasta just right ensures each bite is al dente and satisfying.
• Versatile and easy to customize with your favorite pasta and proteins.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious pasta:

For the Pasta

• Pasta of your choice

For the Sauce

• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp chopped onion
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 2 tbsp butter
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp oregano
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

• Shredded parmesan
• Parsley/Cilantro (garnishing)

Use fresh herbs for a more vibrant garnish.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use cream cheese for a lighter sauce.
• Swap red pepper flakes with black pepper for milder heat.
• Fresh herbs can replace dried ones.
• Use any pasta shape you prefer.

How to Make It

Start cooking your delicious pasta dish with these simple steps.

1. Cook Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.

2. Sauté Aromatics

Melt Butter
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and translucent.

3. Blend in Tomato Paste

Stir in Tomato Paste
Add the tomato paste to the skillet, mixing it well with the sautéed onion and garlic, allowing it to blend and develop its flavors.

4. Season the Sauce

Sprinkle Oregano and Salt
Add oregano and salt to the mixture, stirring everything well to combine and enhance the flavor profile.

5. Make the Pink Sauce

Pour in Tomato Sauce and Cream
Lower the heat and gently pour in the tomato sauce, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Mix until the sauce turns a beautiful shade of pink and thickens slightly. Let it simmer for a few more minutes.

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add Cooked Pasta
Carefully add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat each strand with the vibrant pink sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add some of the reserved pasta water.

7. Finish and Serve

Sprinkle Parmesan
Once everything is well combined, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded parmesan cheese over the pasta. Give it a final toss to melt the cheese and incorporate it into the sauce.

8. Garnish

Garnish and Serve
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.

How to Store It

Fridge: store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: no, the cream may separate upon thawing.
Reheat: microwave for about 2 minutes or until heated through.

Tips for Best Results

• Sauté onions and garlic until they are just translucent to avoid browning.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
• Always reserve pasta water before draining; it can help adjust the sauce consistency.
• Use high-quality canned tomatoes for a richer sauce flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Serve with a crisp white wine to enhance the flavors.
• Perfect for romantic dinners or cozy family gatherings.