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italian pink sauce

🍝 Italian Pink Sauce Recipe Card

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 280
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes (or tomato passata)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano + basil
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for lighter version
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil chopped (plus more for garnish)

Method
 

Sauté Aromatics:
  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook another 1–2 minutes.
Add Tomatoes & Seasoning:
  1. Pour in crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Make It Creamy:
  1. Lower the heat. Slowly stir in the heavy cream until the sauce turns a rich pink color.
Add Cheese & Herbs:
  1. Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Mix in fresh basil.
Serve:
  1. Toss with your favorite pasta, spoon over grilled chicken, or use as a seafood sauce. Garnish with extra basil and Parmesan.

Notes

Use tomato passata or San Marzano tomatoes for the smoothest, richest sauce.
For extra depth, add a splash of white wine while sautéing the onions.
If you prefer a very smooth sauce, blend it with an immersion blender before adding cream.
This sauce pairs wonderfully with penne, ravioli, or shrimp.