A whiff of garlic and sautéed onions fills the kitchen as you prepare a delightful dish that invites a taste of Italy right to your dining table. Rose Shrimp Pasta with Italian Pink Sauce is a simple yet luxurious meal that comes together in about 30 minutes. The creamy pink sauce enriches the pasta, with vibrant flavors that complement each other beautifully.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a romantic dinner date when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. You can make the tomato sauce ahead of time and just add the pasta and shrimp when you’re ready to serve for a quick finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The creamy pink sauce balances the acidity of tomatoes perfectly.
- It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for quick dinners.
- The addition of shrimp makes it a delightful seafood dish without much fuss.
- Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need for this delicious dish.
For the Pasta
- Pasta of your choice (enough for 4 servings)
For the Sauce
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp chopped onion
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
For Serving
- Shredded parmesan (for topping)
- Parsley/Cilantro (for garnishing)
You can use any pasta type you enjoy.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Substitute shrimp with chicken or vegetables.
- Use dairy-free cream for a lighter option.
- Replace butter with olive oil for a vegan version.
- Any pasta shape works well!
How to Make It
Here’s a straightforward guide to whip up this delightful dish.
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil water in a large pot, and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
Melt butter. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt some butter. Add in the minced onion and garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and translucent.
3. Add Tomato Paste
Stir in tomato paste. Mix the tomato paste with the onions and garlic, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Season the Mixture
Sprinkle in spices. Add the oregano and salt. Mix everything well to combine the flavors.
5. Combine the Sauce
Pour in sauces. Lower the heat and pour in the tomato sauce, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning, stirring until the sauce turns a shade of pink and thickens slightly. Let it simmer gently for a few more minutes.
6. Toss the Pasta
Mix pasta with sauce. Add the cooked pasta, tossing it gently to coat each strand with the pink sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water as needed.
7. Add Cheese
Sprinkle parmesan. Once everything is nicely combined, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded parmesan cheese. Give it a final toss to melt the cheese into the sauce.
8. Garnish and Serve
Garnish and serve. Plate your Italian pink sauce pasta hot, garnished with fresh cilantro for a pop of color.
How to Store It
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Freezer: No, sauce may separate when thawed.
Reheat: Use a microwave or stovetop for a few minutes until warmed through.
Tips for Best Results
- Ensure not to overcook the pasta; it will absorb some sauce as it sits.
- Adjust spice levels by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- For extra flavor, consider adding prawns or shrimp during the sauce preparation.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Serve with garlic bread to scoop up the sauce.
- Enjoy with a glass of white wine for a sophisticated touch.
