Rose Shrimp Pasta – Italian Pink Sauce

Rose Shrimp Pasta with Italian pink sauce is a perfect blend of rich tomato and creamy Alfredo sauce. If you’re someone who loves the best of both worlds, this pasta dish is exactly what you’ve been looking for. The combination of tangy marinara and smooth, velvety cream creates a sauce that’s both comforting and flavorful, while the shrimp adds a touch of elegance and sweetness to the dish. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or just craving a hearty meal, this pink sauce pasta is sure to satisfy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes this Rose Shrimp Pasta so special is the balance of flavors. The tomato sauce gives it a vibrant, tangy kick, while the heavy cream adds a luscious, velvety richness. The sauce is just the right consistency—thick enough to coat the pasta, but still light enough to feel refreshing. Plus, shrimp adds a delicious protein that complements the creamy tomato sauce perfectly. The final touch of fresh cilantro brings brightness and a hint of herby flavor to complete the dish. It’s a delightful marriage of both savory and creamy, and with the ease of preparation, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• Your choice of pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne work well)

• 2 cups tomato sauce

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 small onion, minced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1/4 cup shredded parmesan

• Salt and pepper to taste

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 2 tsp oregano

• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• Fresh cilantro for garnishing

• 1 lb shrimp (optional, but highly recommended)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside, but reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water.

2. Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced onion and garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and translucent (about 2-3 minutes).

3. Add Tomato Paste and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, allowing it to cook with the onions and garlic for another minute. Then, sprinkle in the oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well to combine.

4. Make it Creamy: Lower the heat and pour in the tomato sauce, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until the sauce turns a lovely shade of pink and thickens slightly. Let it simmer on low heat for 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Be careful not to overheat, or the cream may split.

5. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta into the sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta with the creamy, pink sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

6. Finish the Dish: Once the pasta is well-coated, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss to melt the cheese into the sauce.

7. Serve: Serve your Rose Shrimp Pasta hot, garnished with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2

• Preparation time: 10 minutes

• Cooking time: 10 minutes

• Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

This recipe is very versatile, and here are a few variations you can try:

• Add Shrimp: Shrimp adds a lovely seafood element to this dish. Sauté shrimp in a separate pan with butter and garlic before adding to the pasta.

• Vegetarian Option: You can easily make this a vegetarian dish by skipping the shrimp and adding vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.

• Cheese Variations: If you prefer, you can use mozzarella, ricotta, or goat cheese in place of parmesan for a different texture and flavor.

• Spicy Kick: For more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce base.

Storage/Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. When ready to eat, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a bit more cream or pasta water to loosen up the sauce if needed.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?

Yes, if you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half, or even use a dairy-free cream alternative like coconut cream.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomato sauce?

Absolutely! If you have fresh tomatoes on hand, blend them into a smooth sauce. You may need to cook it down a bit longer to reach the desired consistency.

What other seafood can I use in place of shrimp?

You can substitute shrimp with other seafood like scallops, mussels, or even crab meat for a different flavor. Just make sure to cook them until they’re tender and fully cooked through.

Can I freeze this pasta?

While pasta dishes with cream sauces don’t always freeze perfectly, you can freeze the sauce separately. The pasta might become a bit soggy after freezing, so it’s best to freeze the sauce alone and cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to eat.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you like more heat, you can add extra red pepper flakes, or you can use a spicy marinara sauce or hot sauce to give the dish an extra kick.

Conclusion

Rose Shrimp Pasta with Italian pink sauce is an ideal recipe for anyone who loves a creamy, tangy pasta dish. The rich blend of tomato sauce and cream creates a vibrant pink sauce that coats your pasta perfectly. Whether you add shrimp or go with just the creamy sauce, this dish is sure to impress. It’s simple, flavorful, and guaranteed to be a hit at dinner time!