Creamy Garlic Rose Pasta

Creamy Garlic Rose Pasta is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 550 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Jack Ovens on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 29 min | Total: 49 min

Cost: $8.55 total, $2.14 per serving

Ingredients

  • 0.5 onion Onion (Brown or yellow, thinly sliced then diced)
  • 10 g Fresh Basil Leaves (Separated from stems, roughly chopped)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (Peeled and thinly sliced)
  • 1.5 Tbsp Olive Oil (Extra virgin)
  • 500 g Penne Pasta (Any short pasta shape works)
  • 2 Tbsp White Wine or Vegetable Stock (For deglazing; use stock if avoiding alcohol)
  • 600 g Canned Diced Tomatoes (About 1.5 cans)
  • to taste Sea Salt Flakes (Use sparingly, adjust at the end)
  • 10 cracks Black Pepper (Freshly cracked)
  • 1.5 tsp Granulated Sugar (Balances tomato acidity)
  • 180 ml Heavy Cream (Thickened or whipping cream)
  • 30 g Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese (Finely grated for serving)
  • to drizzle Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Finishing drizzle)
  • 5 g Fresh Basil Leaves (Garnish) (Thinly sliced for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables

    Thinly slice half a brown or yellow onion, then dice into even pieces. Rough‑chop 10 g fresh basil leaves and set aside. Peel and thinly slice four garlic cloves.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Boil the Pasta Water

    Fill a large saucepan with water, add a generous pinch of sea‑salt flakes, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Cook the Penne

    Add 500 g penne to the boiling water, stir, and cook for one minute less than the package directions.

    Time: PT10M

  4. Sauté Onion

    Heat 1.5 Tbsp olive oil in a large high‑rim pan over medium‑high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté, stirring frequently, until just lightly golden and translucent.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Add Garlic

    Add the thinly sliced garlic to the pan and continue sautéing for about 45 seconds, moving constantly to avoid burning.

    Time: PT45S

  6. Deglaze

    Pour in 2 Tbsp white wine (or vegetable stock) and stir, scraping up any browned bits. Reduce for 30 seconds.

    Time: PT30S

  7. Build the Rose Sauce Base

    Add the 600 g canned diced tomatoes, three picked basil stems, a pinch of sea‑salt flakes, 10 cracks of black pepper, and 1.5 tsp sugar. Stir and bring to a boil.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Incorporate Cream

    Stir in 180 ml heavy cream, mixing until fully combined. Return to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 6 minutes.

    Time: PT6M

  9. Combine Pasta and Sauce

    Using a kitchen spider, transfer the cooked penne directly from the saucepan into the sauce, reserving a splash of pasta water. Remove the basil stems, add the roughly chopped basil, and toss everything together. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Finish and Serve

    Season with additional sea‑salt flakes and cracked black pepper to taste. Remove from heat, plate the pasta, grate Parmigiano‑Reggiano over the top, garnish with thinly sliced basil, and drizzle a little extra‑virgin olive oil.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
550
Protein
15 g
Carbohydrates
70 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: vegetarian

Allergens: gluten, dairy, garlic

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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Creamy Garlic Rose Pasta

Recipe by Chef Jack Ovens

A quick, cheap, and comforting Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring penne tossed in a silky rose sauce made from tomatoes, heavy cream, garlic, and fresh basil. Perfect for a weeknight dinner for four.

EasyItalianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
7m
Prep
30m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
47m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$8.55
Total cost
$2.14
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Sauté the onion until just translucent but not browned.
  • Thinly slice garlic and watch it closely to prevent burning.
  • Deglaze the pan to lift flavorful browned bits.
  • Add cream and simmer gently to avoid curdling.
  • Reserve pasta water and use it to adjust sauce thickness.
  • Remove basil stems before serving to avoid tough bites.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil and boiling water with care to avoid burns.
  • Use a stable cutting board and keep fingertips tucked when slicing onions and garlic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Creamy Garlic Rose Pasta in Italian cuisine?

A

Rose sauce, known as "salsa rosa," originated in Italy as a simple blend of tomato and cream, offering a milder alternative to the bright red marinara. It became popular in home cooking for its quick preparation and comforting flavor, often served with short pasta shapes like penne.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of rose sauce in Italy?

A

In northern Italy, especially Lombardy, the sauce often includes butter and a splash of white wine, while in the south it may feature extra garlic and fresh herbs like basil or oregano. Some regions add a pinch of nutmeg for warmth.

cultural
Q

How is Creamy Garlic Rose Pasta traditionally served in Italy?

A

It is typically served hot, tossed with al dente penne, topped with a generous shaving of Parmigiano‑Reggiano, a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil, and a few fresh basil leaves for garnish. It is enjoyed as a primo (first course) or a light main dish.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Creamy Garlic Rose Pasta associated with in Italian culture?

A

Because it is quick and inexpensive, the dish is common for family weeknight meals, but it also appears at casual gatherings and picnics where a comforting pasta dish is appreciated.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Creamy Garlic Rose Pasta versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include fresh tomatoes (or quality canned diced tomatoes), heavy cream, fresh basil, and Parmigiano‑Reggiano. Acceptable substitutes are vegetable stock for wine, half‑and‑half for cream, and dried basil if fresh is unavailable.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with Creamy Garlic Rose Pasta?

A

A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio complement the richness of the rose sauce. For a fuller meal, serve with garlic‑bread or a light antipasto platter.

cultural
Q

What makes Creamy Garlic Rose Pasta special or unique in Italian cuisine?

A

The sauce’s pink hue comes from the balance of sweet tomatoes and rich cream, delivering a mellow garlic flavor thanks to thinly sliced garlic that releases allicin more gently than minced garlic.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Creamy Garlic Rose Pasta?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the garlic, which turns bitter; letting the cream boil vigorously, which can cause it to split; and not reserving pasta water, which makes the sauce too thick and unable to cling to the noodles.

technical
Q

Why does this Creamy Garlic Rose Pasta recipe use thinly sliced garlic instead of minced garlic?

A

Thin slices release allicin more slowly, giving a milder, sweeter garlic note that blends harmoniously with the creamy tomato base, whereas minced garlic can become harsh and dominate the flavor.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Chef Jack Ovens specialize in?

A

Chef Jack Ovens focuses on quick, affordable, and approachable home‑cooking recipes that use everyday ingredients, often emphasizing technique tips that help home cooks achieve restaurant‑quality results without fancy equipment.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Chef Jack Ovens' approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?

A

Chef Jack Ovens prioritizes speed and budget, delivering classic Italian flavors in under 30 minutes with minimal pantry staples, whereas many other Italian channels may focus on traditional, time‑intensive methods or specialty regional dishes.

channel

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