Quick Valentine's Day Pink Pasta
A simple and beautiful pink pasta dish, combining creamy, rich flavors with a gentle tomato tang, perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti or your favorite pasta Use a quality durum wheat pasta for best texture
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Use real butter for added richness
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 small shallot, minced Or half a small onion
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes or passata
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup heavy cream Or half-and-half for a lighter option
- 1 teaspoon sugar Balances the tomato gently
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese Plus extra for serving
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Pinch red pepper flakes, optional For a warm lift
- 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water More as needed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, optional For a bright finish
- Fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley to finish
- 1 small cooked beet, pureed into a tablespoon of water For a deeper pink color, optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, usually 8 to 10 minutes for spaghetti.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the minced shallot and cook 1 to 2 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant, ensuring it does not turn brown.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, letting it darken slightly.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and a teaspoon of sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3 to 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, warming gently for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce turns a soft pink.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, adding lemon juice if desired.
- Scoop out about 1/2 cup of pasta water just before draining the pasta.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss continuously, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
- Stir in grated Parmesan and a final tablespoon of butter, tossing until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes silky.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and torn basil on top.
Notes
For variations, you can add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or spinach, grilled shrimp, or switch the cream with coconut milk for a vegan option.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 15gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4g
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