Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe
Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe is a easy Indian recipe that serves 4. 500 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Vicky Ratnani on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 40 min
Cost: $78.92 total, $19.73 per serving
Ingredients
- 400 g Spaghetti (dry, whole wheat or regular)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin)
- 1 tbsp Onion (finely chopped, about 1 small onion)
- 1 tbsp Garlic (chopped, about 3 cloves)
- 1 tsp Bird's Eye Chili (finely chopped, adjust heat to taste)
- 10 leaves Fresh Basil Leaves (5 for tempering, 5 for garnish)
- 250 ml Tomato Puree (canned or freshly blended)
- 200 ml Rich's Versat Gold Cooking Cream (acid tolerant, heat stable)
- to taste pinch Salt (kosher or sea salt)
- to taste pinch Cracked Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 50 g Mozzarella Cheese (shredded or cubed, optional for stretch)
Instructions
Cook the Spaghetti
Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, bring to a rolling boil, then add the spaghetti and cook 9‑11 minutes until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain using a colander.
Time: PT12M
Sauté Aromatics
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, garlic, and bird's eye chili. Sauté for 2‑3 minutes until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.
Time: PT3M
Add Tomato Puree
Stir in the tomato puree, lower the heat to a gentle simmer, and cook for 5‑7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Time: PT7M
Season the Sauce
Add salt and cracked black pepper to taste. Toss in a few fresh basil leaves for a quick tempering.
Time: PT1M
Incorporate Versat Gold Cream
Reduce the heat to low, pour in the Rich's Versat Gold cooking cream, and stir gently. Let the sauce come to a light simmer for 2‑3 minutes; do not let it boil.
Time: PT3M
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Stir in grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella until melted and stretchy.
Time: PT3M
Plate and Garnish
Transfer the creamy pink pasta to serving plates, garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra crack of black pepper. Serve immediately.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 500
- Protein
- 15g
- Carbohydrates
- 60g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Spaghetti: Fettuccine, Penne
- Instead of Olive Oil: Vegetable oil, Canola oil
- Instead of Onion: Shallots
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic paste
- Instead of Bird's Eye Chili: Red chili flakes, Jalapeno
- Instead of Fresh Basil Leaves: Dried basil (use 1/3 amount)
- Instead of Tomato Puree: Crushed tomatoes, Fresh tomatoes blended
- Instead of Rich's Versat Gold Cooking Cream: Heavy cream, Coconut cream (vegan)
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: Cheddar, Vegan mozzarella
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Skillet
- Wooden Spoon
- Tongs (optional)
- Grater (optional)
- Measuring Spoons
- Serving Plate (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Do not let the cooking cream boil; keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to prevent splitting.
- Cook spaghetti al dente and reserve pasta water for adjusting sauce texture.
- Simmer tomato puree only 5‑7 minutes to retain fresh tomato flavor.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use Rich's Versat Gold cooking cream because its acid tolerance lets you add it directly to tomato sauce without curdling.
- Add a handful of fresh basil at the end for a burst of aroma; the earlier tempering adds subtle flavor.
- For extra stretch, mix in a small cube of fresh mozzarella just before plating.
Troubleshooting
Sauce splits or curdles after adding cream.
Reduce heat to low before adding the cream and stir continuously. If it does split, whisk in a splash of cold milk to bring it back together.
Pasta is mushy or overcooked.
Cook spaghetti for the minimum al dente time (9 minutes) and test a piece before draining. Rinse briefly with hot water if you need to stop cooking.
Sauce is too thick.
Add a little reserved pasta water or a splash of milk to loosen it to a silky consistency.
Sauce is too thin.
Simmer a few minutes longer to reduce, or add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan to thicken.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended due to the cream; if freezing the sauce alone, use within 1 month.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the creamy tomato sauce a day ahead, refrigerate, and reheat gently over low heat before adding pasta.
- Cook spaghetti al dente, toss with a drizzle of olive oil, and store separately; combine just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of creamy tomato (pink) spaghetti in Indian cuisine?
Pink sauce pasta, known as "creamy tomato" or "pink sauce," became popular in urban India during the early 2000s as a fusion of Italian pasta with Indian flavor preferences, especially the love for rich, buttery sauces and a hint of spice.
What are the traditional regional variations of pink sauce pasta in Indian cuisine?
In North India, the sauce often includes butter, cream, and a dash of garam masala, while in South India cooks may add curry leaves, mustard seeds, or coconut milk for a local twist. The core tomato‑cream base remains the same.
How is creamy tomato (pink) spaghetti traditionally served in Indian households?
It is typically served hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan or mozzarella, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, and a few fresh basil leaves. It is often accompanied by a simple side salad or garlic bread.
During which occasions is pink sauce spaghetti commonly prepared in Indian culture?
It is a favorite for weekend family meals, birthday celebrations, and informal gatherings because it is quick, comforting, and feels a bit indulgent without requiring elaborate preparation.
How does creamy tomato (pink) spaghetti fit into the broader Indian cuisine tradition?
The dish reflects India's openness to global flavors, adapting Italian pasta with Indian staples like chili, basil, and rich dairy products, showcasing the country's evolving palate while still valuing comfort food.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making creamy tomato (pink) spaghetti at home?
Common errors include over‑cooking the pasta, letting the cream boil which causes it to split, and simmering the tomato puree for too long, which can make the sauce taste overly cooked and lose its fresh tang.
Why does this recipe use Rich's Versat Gold cooking cream instead of regular heavy cream?
Versat Gold is acid‑tolerant and heat‑stable, meaning it blends smoothly into the acidic tomato base without curdling, even when the sauce is simmered, giving a velvety texture that regular cream can struggle with.
Can I make creamy tomato (pink) spaghetti ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day ahead, refrigerate in an airtight container, and gently reheat over low heat before tossing with freshly cooked pasta. Store the cooked pasta separately to keep it from becoming soggy.
What does the YouTube channel Chef Vicky Ratnani specialize in?
The YouTube channel Chef Vicky Ratnani specializes in modern Indian cooking, showcasing quick, flavorful recipes that blend traditional Indian ingredients with global techniques, often featuring vibrant sauces and creative twists.
What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Chef Vicky Ratnani?
Chef Vicky Ratnani focuses on bold flavors, simplicity, and using readily available ingredients while encouraging home cooks to experiment with textures and spices. His style is energetic, visually engaging, and emphasizes step‑by‑step clarity.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
