Penne Rosa (Creamy Pink Pasta Sauce)

Penne Rosa is a delightful pasta dish that shares similarities with some of the more trendy pasta recipes, like the famous Gigi Hadid pasta and the classic Vodka pasta. These dishes have gained popularity for their rich, creamy sauces and indulgent flavors, often featured in social media and gourmet cooking channels. While Gigi Hadid pasta is known for its spicy, creamy tomato sauce and vodka pasta for its unique use of vodka to enhance the tomato flavors, Penne Rosa stands out for its simplicity and approachability. It captures the essence of these popular dishes but in a more straightforward, easy-to-make manner that it's typical of an authentic Italian recipe, making it perfect for quick dinners or for those who are new to cooking.

Despite its simplicity, Penne Rosa does not compromise on taste. This recipe swaps out the complexities and specific ingredients of the Gigi Hadid pasta and vodka pasta for more accessible, yet equally flavorful components. The result is a creamy, pink sauce that beautifully coats the penne pasta, offering a comforting and satisfying meal. It's a dish that proves you don't need elaborate methods or hard-to-find ingredients to create a delicious pasta meal. Penne Rosa is perfect for those evenings when you crave something indulgent yet uncomplicated, bringing a touch of gourmet to your dinner table without the fuss. It's my kind of perfect and simple comfort food.

If you like other easy pasta recipes, you need to try this Creamy Eggplant Pasta and this Tuna Tomato Pasta too.

🧾 Ingredients

To make a delicious Penne Rosa sauce, you will need a few key ingredients. You'll notice this is a much simpler version compared to the other recipes online. This is the recipe I grew up with and I love the simplicity of it, making the simple ingredients shine. 

• Pasta: The foundation of the dish, pasta provides a satisfying texture and serves as the perfect canvas for the sauce. Penne is typically used for its ability to hold sauce well, but other pasta shapes can also be used depending on preference.
• Tomato Passata: A smooth, uncooked tomato puree that forms the base of the sauce. Passata has a rich tomato flavor and a velvety texture, which contributes to the sauce's body and depth without the chunks present in crushed tomatoes. You can also use marinara sauce, but it will change the flavor of the sauce.
• Cream: Added to the tomato passata to create the signature pink color of the sauce. The cream brings a rich, velvety texture and mellows the acidity of the tomatoes, resulting in a smooth and indulgent sauce. You can use heavy cream or half and half.
• Garlic: A key aromatic that adds depth and a subtle pungency to the sauce. Garlic is typically minced or finely chopped to distribute its flavor evenly throughout the dish.
• Onion: Use white or yellow onion for a milder flavor. Onions are sautéed at the beginning of the cooking process, providing a sweet and savory foundation to the sauce. They add a layer of flavor to the sauce.

See the recipe card for full quantities.

🥣 Variations

Penne Rosa is a delicious and easy pasta dish that is loved by many. It is a perfect combination of spicy tomato cream sauce and penne pasta. If you are looking to switch things up, here are a few variations you can try:

• Spicy: To add a little kick to the Penne Rosa, incorporate spicy elements like red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce. These ingredients can be adjusted according to your heat preference, and they blend seamlessly into the creamy tomato sauce, adding an exciting twist to the dish.
• Gluten-Free: Make this dish gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta. Many options are available, including those made from rice, corn, or legume flours. These alternatives ensure that the dish remains just as satisfying without the gluten.
• Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or a dairy-free cream substitute. These alternatives offer a similar richness and creaminess, making the dish suitable for those with dairy sensitivities or on a vegan diet.
• Cheesier: To make the dish cheesier, you can add cream cheese, grated Parmesan, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorite cheeses into the sauce. The cheese melts into the sauce, giving it an extra creamy and indulgent texture, perfect for cheese lovers.
• With Veggies: Boost the nutritional value and add extra flavor to your Penne Rosa by including vegetables like fresh spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. These can be sautéed and mixed into the sauce, making the dish more wholesome and flavorful. They will make a more complete vegetarian dinner.
• With Meat: For a heartier meal, incorporate your favorite protein like chicken breasts, shrimp, or Italian sausage. These can be cooked and added to the sauce, providing a savory depth and making the dish more substantial and satisfying.

📋 Instructions with Photos

It's super easy to make Penne Rosa, in a few simple steps.

Step 1. In a large skillet, drizzle some olive oil and sautè the minced onion and garlic on medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes.

Step 2. Add the tomato passata to the pan and let it simmer at low heat for 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile toss the penne noodles in a large pot of salted water. Follow the package directions for cooking time.

🔪 Equipment

To make a delicious Penne Rosa, you will need a few essential kitchen tools. Here is a list of the equipment you will need:

• Large cooking pot: A large cooking pot is essential for boiling the penne pasta. Make sure the pot is big enough to hold the pasta and enough water to cover it. A 6-quart pot should be sufficient for most recipes.
• Large pan or skillet: A large pan or skillet is necessary for sautéing the garlic and onions and cooking the sauce. A 12-inch skillet should be enough for most recipes.
• Immersion Blender: An immersion blender will turn this into a smooth and creamy sauce. It's not necessary, but it adds a nice touch!

❄️ Storage & Reheating

When it comes to storing and reheating this Pasta with Pink Sauce, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your leftovers are just as delicious as the day you made them.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to let the Penne Rosa cool completely before storing it in the fridge. This will help prevent any bacteria growth.

Freezing Leftovers

If you have more leftovers than you can eat in 5 days, you can freeze them for later. To freeze Penne Rosa, let it cool completely and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Make sure to label the container or bag with the date and contents. Penne Rosa can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Leftovers

To reheat Penne Rosa, you can use a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but make sure to stir it every 30 seconds to prevent it from drying out. If the Penne Rosa seems dry, you can add a splash of milk or cream to help loosen it up.

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