Pink Sauce Pasta

Ingredients

• 400 g Penne Pasta (dry penne, store‑bought)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin, mild flavor)
• 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 medium Onion (finely chopped, yellow onion)
• 4 medium Tomatoes (about 500 g, pureed with skin and seeds intact)
• 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder (adjust to heat preference)
• 1 tsp Oregano (dried) (authentic Italian oregano)
• 2 tbsp Butter (unsalted, cut into cubes)
• 100 ml Heavy Cream (full‑fat)
• 100 g Cheese (grated mozzarella or processed cheese, generous amount)
• 1 tsp Salt (fine sea salt, to taste)
• 1 tbsp Ketchup (adds subtle sweetness and pink hue)
• 0.5 cup Corn Kernels (optional, frozen or fresh)
• 0.5 cup Bell Pepper (diced, any colour, optional)
• 0.5 tsp Black Pepper Flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions

1. Boil Pasta

   Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, add a generous pinch of salt, then add the penne. Cook for 1‑2 minutes less than the package al‑dente time so the pasta is slightly softer.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: 100°C

2. Drain Pasta

   Drain the pasta in a colander; do NOT rinse with water so the starch remains to help the sauce cling.

   Time: PT2M

3. Sauté Aromatics

   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, then add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.

   Time: PT4M

   Temperature: 180°C

4. Make Tomato Base

   Add the pureed tomatoes, red chilli powder, dried oregano and salt to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5‑7 minutes until the mixture thickens and the raw tomato flavor disappears.

   Time: PT7M

   Temperature: 90°C

5. Enrich the Sauce

   Stir in butter, heavy cream, ketchup, corn kernels and diced bell pepper. Cook for another 3 minutes until everything is well combined and the sauce turns a smooth pink colour.

   Time: PT3M

   Temperature: 90°C

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce

   Add the drained penne directly into the sauce. Toss to coat and let it simmer together for 5 minutes so the pasta absorbs the gravy and becomes juicy.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 90°C

7. Finish with Cheese

   Sprinkle the grated cheese over the pasta, stir gently until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes glossy.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: 90°C

8. Serve

   Transfer the pink sauce pasta to serving plates and enjoy while hot.

   Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

520

Protein

20 g

Carbohydrates

70 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

4 g