Name: Best Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 cups dry penne pasta (300 grams); 1 Tablespoon butter; 2 medium cloves garlic (minced); 1 large yellow onion (diced); 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup milk; 4 ounces full fat cream cheese (half a brick); 1 cup freshly shredded pizza mozzarella; 1 Tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

I absolutely adore this Best Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe because it perfectly marries creamy richness with tangy tomato brightness, creating a sauce that’s both comforting and delightfully vibrant. I find it’s a real crowd-pleaser that I can whip up quickly on busy weeknights, yet it looks and tastes like something special enough for company. Every time I make it, I’m amazed at how simple ingredients transform into a luscious, velvety pasta that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Why You'll Love This Best Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe

What I love most about this recipe is the balance of flavors. The tomato sauce provides a fresh acidity, while the cream cheese and mozzarella add a smooth, indulgent creaminess that I find irresistible. The subtle herbal notes from basil and oregano bring everything together, making each bite incredibly satisfying without being overly heavy.

Another reason I keep coming back to this recipe is how straightforward it is to prepare. I’m often pressed for time, and this pasta comes together in about 30 minutes total, which feels like a win for any home chef. The steps are simple yet deliver a rich sauce that tastes like you’ve been simmering it for hours.

This dish is my go-to for a variety of occasions—whether I’m hosting family dinners, looking for something comforting after a long day, or serving friends at a casual get-together. It stands out because it’s not your average tomato pasta; the creamy pink sauce makes it feel extra indulgent and a little more special. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation too.

Ingredients You'll Need

A large black pan with a handle holds creamy orange pasta covered in smooth sauce. The pasta is short, tube-shaped penne, evenly coated in a thick, shiny sauce with small bits of herbs or spices visible. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, and the sauce clings closely to the pasta, creating a rich texture. The pasta fills the pan almost to the edges with no extra garnishes or toppings visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

For me, the magic of this Best Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe starts with a few simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building color, flavor, and texture—from the al dente penne that holds the sauce beautifully, to the combination of cheeses that create that luscious finish.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Penne pasta: I use dry penne because its hollow shape traps the creamy sauce perfectly.
Butter: Adds a subtle richness and helps soften the onions and garlic.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives the sauce a fragrant base that wakes up the flavors.
Yellow onion: Diced onions provide sweetness and depth when sautéed.
Tomato sauce: Brings a bright and tangy foundation essential for the pink tone and flavor.
Dried oregano & basil: These classic Italian herbs infuse the sauce with aromatic warmth.
Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
Chicken broth: Adds savory notes and thins the sauce so it’s perfectly luscious.
Milk: Creates a creamy texture that balances the acidity of the tomato.
Cream cheese: Gives the sauce its signature silky, tangy creaminess that makes it special.
Mozzarella cheese: Fresh shredded mozzarella melts into gooey, cheesy bliss—my favorite part!
Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh, colorful garnish that adds a lovely herbaceous touch.

Directions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add the penne pasta. Cook it until al dente according to the package instructions—this usually takes about 9 to 11 minutes, but taste test near the end to make sure the pasta has a slight bite.

Step 2: While the pasta is boiling, heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the diced onions and sauté for around 5 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. Then add the minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes, stirring frequently so neither the onions nor garlic burn.

Step 3: Stir in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, dried basil, oregano, and salt. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.

Step 4: Reduce heat slightly and add the milk and cream cheese, stirring continuously until the cream cheese melts smoothly into the sauce. Next, fold in the shredded mozzarella cheese and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 7 to 8 minutes. Keep the heat low—avoid boiling—to ensure a velvety texture.

Step 5: Drain the pasta and immediately add it to the skillet, gently tossing to coat every piece in that dreamy pink sauce. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of mozzarella if you want to get really indulgent.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 4 hearty servings, making it perfect for a family dinner or sharing with friends. The prep time is around 10 minutes—mostly chopping and gathering your ingredients. The cook time clocks in at approximately 20 minutes, including the pasta boiling and sauce simmering. Altogether, you’re looking at about 30 minutes from start to finish, with no additional resting or cooling time needed. It’s a beautifully efficient meal that doesn’t sacrifice any flavor.

How to Serve This Best Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe

A close-up top view of penne pasta coated evenly in a smooth, creamy orange sauce with a slightly shiny texture. The pasta pieces are tightly packed and mixed well, filling the whole white marbled pan, showing a rich and thick sauce clinging to each penne. Small specks of herbs are visible throughout the sauce, adding a bit of color and texture contrast to the smooth pasta. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving, I love pairing this pasta with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. The fresh crunch offsets the creamy richness of the dish beautifully. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini also make excellent side dishes, adding some variety and color to the plate without overpowering the pasta.

For garnishing, don’t be shy with fresh chopped herbs—parsley or basil works wonders to add a pop of color and a fresh herbal brightness. You can also sprinkle a little extra shredded mozzarella on top just before serving for a melty, cheesy final touch that guests always appreciate.

When I host dinners, I often serve a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light, fruity rosé alongside this pink pasta—it complements the creaminess without weighing the palate down. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a splash of lemon is refreshing and balances the meal perfectly. I recommend serving this dish hot or warm to keep that sauce beautifully creamy and inviting on the plate.

Variations

I enjoy experimenting with this Best Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe by tweaking a few ingredients or techniques to suit moods and dietary needs. For a vegetarian twist, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth—it makes no difference to the flavor depth. If you’re vegan, you can substitute the cream cheese and mozzarella with plant-based alternatives; just be sure to pick ones that melt well to keep that creamy texture.

If you prefer a lighter sauce, I sometimes halve the amount of cream cheese and use part-skim mozzarella, which gives a lighter but still creamy finish. For a flavor twist, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some warmth or some freshly chopped sun-dried tomatoes for an extra dimension of tang and sweetness.

When it comes to the pasta itself, feel free to swap penne for rigatoni, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just keep an eye on cooking times based on the pasta shape and type. I’ve even made this sauce ahead and used it as a baked pasta casserole base with breadcrumbs on top for a deliciously crispy finish.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover pink sauce pasta in airtight containers to keep it fresh and avoid sogginess. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before sealing, I let it cool slightly to room temperature to prevent condensation which could water down the sauce. When I’m ready to eat it again, it still tastes wonderfully creamy.

Freezing

This pasta freezes reasonably well, though because of the dairy in the sauce, the texture can change slightly upon thawing. I recommend freezing in a shallow airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag, with air pressed out to prevent freezer burn. It can be kept frozen for up to 2 months. When thawing, I let it thaw overnight in the fridge rather than microwaving frozen to help preserve the sauce’s creaminess.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer using a gentle stovetop method. I add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and warm it over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through and creamy again. This prevents the cheese from toughening or separating, which can happen if you rush it in a hot microwave. If you use a microwave, reheat in short bursts at 50% power and stir often for best results.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! While cream cheese and mozzarella provide the signature creaminess and melt, you can experiment with cheeses like fontina, gouda, or even a little parmesan for sharper flavor. Just keep in mind their melting properties to maintain the sauce’s smooth texture.

Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Yes, it easily is. Simply substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and ensure your cheeses don’t contain animal rennet if that’s a concern for you. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegetarian-friendly.

Can I make this pasta gluten-free?

Definitely! Just choose your favorite gluten-free pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. The sauce remains the same and is totally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap for anyone avoiding gluten.

How spicy is this pink sauce pasta?

This recipe isn’t spicy by default. If you enjoy a little heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the onions or sprinkle some on top when serving to kick up the flavor.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

You can! I often make the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, gently reheat it and toss with freshly cooked pasta. This saves time and allows the flavors to develop even more overnight.

Conclusion

I really hope you give this Best Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe a try soon. It’s one of those dishes that never fails to impress without a ton of fuss, and I guarantee it will become a favorite in your household like it is in mine. The creamy, cheesy sauce with tangy tomato notes is just pure comfort—perfect for those moments when you want something deliciously satisfying and easy to prepare. Enjoy every bite!