Description
A cozy and creamy pink pasta dish that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day or family gatherings, packed with flavors and easy to make.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (or spinach for a healthier spin)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cooked chicken strips or sautéed mushrooms (optional)
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream until the sauce turns pink. Mix in grated Parmesan cheese until melted, then add the cooked pasta and toss to coat with the sauce. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Stir in fresh basil, season with salt and pepper, then serve immediately.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables or proteins.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: pasta, Valentine's Day, creamy pasta, quick recipes, Italian dishes