1. What is an Italian pink sauce?

An Italian pink sauce is a creamy tomato-based sauce that blends red marinara and white Alfredo together. It gets its signature blush color from the mix of cream and tomato sauce. The result is a rich yet balanced flavor that pairs beautifully with pasta, chicken, or seafood. This Italian pink sauce recipe is perfect when you want something lighter than Alfredo but creamier than traditional marinara.

2. What is the pink sauce made from?

The classic Italian pink sauce includes olive oil or butter, garlic, tomato sauce, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Some recipes add herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor. The key to its signature taste is the combination of creamy and tangy elements, giving it that smooth, comforting texture Italians love.

3. How to make pink sauce pasta at home?

To make pink sauce pasta at home, start by sautéing garlic in olive oil, then stir in tomato sauce and let it simmer. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, and stir until the sauce turns pink and thickens slightly. Toss in cooked pasta, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. You can find a full step-by-step guide above in the recipe section of this post.

4. What is pink sauce vs vodka sauce?

Both sauces are similar in texture, but vodka sauce includes a splash of vodka, which enhances the tomato flavor and adds a subtle sharpness. The Italian pink sauce recipe skips the alcohol and uses cream to create a smoother, gentler flavor profile. It’s family-friendly, lighter, and perfect for weeknight meals or anyone who prefers a non-alcoholic option.

Italian Pink Sauce Recipe: The Ultimate Creamy Pasta You’ll Love

Name: Italian Pink Sauce Recipe: A Simple, Creamy Italian Classic You’ll Love
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil or butter; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 ½ cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped; 12 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine)

Italian Pink Sauce Recipe: A Simple, Creamy Italian Classic You’ll Love

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This Italian pink sauce recipe combines the creamy richness of Alfredo with the tang of tomato sauce for the perfect pasta dish — quick, easy, and full of Italian flavor.

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

2 tbsp olive oil or butter

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 ½ cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped

12 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.

2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Pour in tomato sauce and simmer for 5–6 minutes to build flavor.

4. Slowly add the heavy cream, stirring until the sauce turns pink.

5. Mix in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper; stir until melted and thickened.

6. Toss cooked pasta directly into the sauce to coat evenly.

7. Garnish with basil or parsley and serve warm.

Notes

For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes while sautéing garlic.

Use half-and-half for a lighter version.

Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Author: barbara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
Calories: 520
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 80mg