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Classic Pink Sauce with Cream and Tomato

A creamy, tangy sauce blending marinara and Alfredo flavors, ready in under 30 minutes for an impressive weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce Base
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can 28 ounces crushed tomatoes or 1.5 cups tomato puree
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar optional, balances acidity
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional, for serving

Equipment

  • Large 12-inch saucepan or skillet
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Can opener
  • Colander for draining tomatoes
  • Whisk
  • Fine mesh sieve (optional)

Method
 

  1. Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium heat for about 30 seconds until foaming.
  2. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant without browning.
  3. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to caramelize and deepen flavor.
  4. Pour in 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (drained if canned) and stir to combine.
  5. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; taste and adjust.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. If the sauce is too acidic, stir in 1/2 teaspoon sugar and simmer for 30 seconds.
  8. Lower heat to medium-low, slowly pour in 3/4 cup heavy cream while stirring, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce turns pink and emulsifies.
  9. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil; reserve extra basil for garnish.

Notes

Keep the heat low after adding cream to prevent the sauce from separating; serve immediately over pasta and garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan.