This Creamy Pink Señoritas Pasta is a fun twist on your usual pasta dish. With rich cream, tomatoes, and a hint of garlic, it’s as tasty as it looks!
Cooking this pasta is a delight! You won’t believe how fast it comes together. I like to serve it with some crunchy garlic bread—perfect for dipping! 🍞😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I suggest using penne or rigatoni for this dish. They hold the sauce well! If you prefer gluten-free or whole grain options, feel free to switch to gluten-free pasta or whole wheat varieties.
Tomato Sauce: You can use store-bought tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes. If you want a fresher flavor, consider using fresh tomatoes. Just chop and cook them down to get a sauce-like consistency.
Heavy Cream: This is key for the creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or even a plant-based cream, like coconut cream.
Cheese: I like using freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. If you’re dairy-free, cashew cheese or nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy taste.
How Do I Get the Perfect Creamy Sauce?
A key step in achieving a creamy sauce is to incorporate the cream slowly. Start with low heat after adding the cream to prevent it from curdling.
- Add the heavy cream gradually while stirring constantly.
- Keep the heat on low to let the sauce gently simmer; this helps it thicken without separating.
- Once the cheese is added, stir until melted and smooth for the best consistency.
Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasonings as you go! Add more salt or pepper to suit your taste. This way, you’ll have a well-rounded, flavorful sauce.
How to Make Creamy Pink Señoritas Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or cilantro
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- Cooked shrimp, chicken, or sautéed vegetables for protein
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy pink pasta takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and delightful meal that can be easily made any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and the chopped onion, and sauté them for about 2-3 minutes, until they are fragrant and the onion is translucent.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
Next, stir in the tomato sauce and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together beautifully. Then, reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine and create a creamy pink sauce. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Cheese:
Toss in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s melted and well mixed into the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you desire a little kick!
5. Combine the Pasta:
Now, add your drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss it in the creamy pink sauce until it’s fully coated. If you want to add cooked shrimp, chicken, or sautéed vegetables, now is the time to mix those in!
6. Finish and Serve:
Garnish your dish with freshly chopped basil or cilantro. Serve immediately while it’s hot, and enjoy your delicious, creamy Pink Señoritas Pasta!
Feeling hungry? Let’s get cooking!
FAQ for Creamy Pink Señoritas Pasta
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne or rigatoni work great, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose!
How Can I Make This Dish Healthier?
You can lighten it up by using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta and swapping heavy cream for half-and-half or a light cream alternative. Adding lots of veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini also boosts the nutritional value.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or a bit of water if it thickens up too much.
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
Yes! You can cook the pasta and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Just combine them right before you’re ready to serve, adding a splash of cream to reheat for extra creaminess!
