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Ultimate Creamy Pink Sauce Pasta: Easy Weeknight Recipe Blending Marinara and Alfredo

A close-up shot of rigatoni pasta coated in creamy pink sauce pasta, seasoned with black pepper, served in a white bowl.
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Make this delicious and visually appealing pink sauce pasta, a simple blend of creamy Alfredo and rich tomato sauce. It is quick enough for a weeknight meal but feels indulgent.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound pasta (penne or rigatoni work well)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce (use your favorite brand)
  • 1/2 cup Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  3. Pour in the marinara sauce and Alfredo sauce. Stir them together until they begin to warm through.
  4. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream until the sauce turns a uniform blush or pink color. This creates your creamy tomato cream sauce.
  5. Stir in the 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly.
  7. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired creamy consistency.
  8. Serve immediately. Top each serving with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if using.

Notes

  • For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic.
  • This recipe works well with cooked chicken or shrimp added in step 4.
  • If you want a richer color, use slightly more marinara sauce than Alfredo sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://devourdish.com/pink-sauce-pasta-easy-weeknight-recipe/