Get ready for a flavor explosion with rose pasta! Creamy and tangy with a touch of fresh basil, this pantry-staple dish will nourish the soul. The secret to its luscious texture? Blending whole ingredients with just a splash of cream.
Why I Love This Recipe
Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make pasta dish that will blow your taste buds away? Rose pasta boasts a creamy, tangy sauce with a touch of fresh basil for a dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings after even the longest of days.
Best of all, this soul-nourishing dish is made with simple, real ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. And because we leave the ingredients whole or in large pieces to blend later, it saves a ton of prep time!
With its silky-smooth sauce and big flavor, this rose pasta is sure to become a weekly staple. Especially since you can go from pantry to table in half an hour or less!
I know it’s hard to believe such incredible flavor can come from less than 10 ingredients, but trust me: after one bite, you’ll be a believer. Whether you’re looking for an impressive, hearty dish or craving simple comfort food that doesn’t require a trip to the store, this recipe checks all the boxes.
What Is Rose Sauce Pasta?
The best way to describe this sauce is that it’s a twist on the classic vodka sauce, but without the vodka. You get all that flavor and the beautiful rose-pink color, but without the heaviness you might be used to.
Wondering how to make rose pasta sauce? The secret is that we only use a touch of heavy cream. The luscious texture actually comes from pureeing whole veggies that have been sauteed and simmered for maximum flavor! Yes, it’s every bit as amazing as it sounds.
This makes rose pasta sauce a healthier option without sacrificing the creamy, dreamy texture we all crave. I recommend using an Immersion Blender right in the Dutch oven you use to reduce the sauce, which also means less dishes. Win-win!
Personally, I like to leave my sauce a touch rustic, but you’re welcome to blend it super smooth if you prefer. Go ahead and find your perfect consistency!
Variations for Rose Pasta
There are so many ways to make this dish, and all of them are oh-so-delicious!
First, it’s entirely up to you how much basil you want to use. You can keep it light, or add a bunch to really dial up that earthy flavor! I also want to mention that the Calabrian chili paste is optional. I love the depth it adds to the sauce, but please don’t feel like you have to make a special trip to the store if it’s the only ingredient you’re missing.
Don’t have an Immersion Blender? No problem! You can always pulse the rose pasta sauce in a food processor or blender instead. Just remember to follow safety protocols for blending hot liquids.
Have some fresh tomatoes from your summer garden or latest trip to the farmer’s market? Use those instead of the canned variety!
And of course, the style of pasta is entirely up to you. I love the way the big tube shape of calamarata pasta picks up so much sauce in every bite, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
What to Serve with Rose Pasta
- Blood Orange Mocktail — Treat your taste buds to NA sipping while you let your rose pasta sauce reduce on the stove!
- Chopped Asian Cabbage Slaw — This beautiful side uses fresh produce for an irresistible medley of textures and flavors.
- Smokey Roasted Carrots with Tahini Ranch — When the weather’s cold outside, this veggie side is guaranteed to warm you up.
- Spaghetti Squash Fritters — Crispy on the outside, melty on the inside, and perfect for adding more fresh produce to your plate!
How to Store Rose Pasta
If you have leftover pasta, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to let it fully cool first so the condensation from the steam doesn’t make the pasta soggy.
If you don’t end up using all of the sauce on the pasta, you can store the extra in the freezer! Allow it to cool to room temperature, transfer to a freezer-safe jar or container, and freeze for up to 6 months. You’ll have amazing rose sauce ready to enjoy whenever you like!
Other Delicious and Hearty Recipes
Grilled Pesto Chicken Meatballs & Sauce
Roasted Butternut Squash & Apple Grilled Cheese
Rose Pasta
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
Get ready for a flavor explosion with rose pasta! Creamy and tangy with a touch of fresh basil, this pantry-staple dish will nourish the soul. The secret to its luscious texture? Blending whole ingredients with just a splash of cream.
Ingredients
1/3 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp olive oil
½ cup white onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, smashed
1 tsp Calabrian chili paste (optional)
1 large can whole tomatoes
1 lb pasta
Fresh basil leaves to taste
Pecorino Romano to garnish
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Salt pasta water, then cook pasta to the instructions on the box.
- Reserving 1 cup of pasta water, strain and set aside.
- In a Dutch oven, add the olive oil, onion, garlic, and Calabrian chili pasta. Sauté until lightly golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Add canned tomato and a pinch of salt.
- Reduce for 15-20 minutes over medium low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once sauce liquid has reduced by a third, insert an Immersion Blender and purée until as smooth as you like. Alternatively, pulse in a food processor or blender.
- Stir in the heavy cream, then pour the sauce over the pasta.
- Toss to combine, adding basil, pecorino, and final seasoning to taste. Serve while hot & enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 534
- Sugar: 4.6
- Sodium: 17.2
- Fat: 8.9
- Saturated Fat: 3.8
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5
- Carbohydrates: 92.2
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 19
- Cholesterol: 17