Pink Sauce Spaghetti Pasta by Chef Vicky Ratnani
Pink Sauce Spaghetti Pasta by Chef Vicky Ratnani is a easy Indian recipe that serves 2. 550 calories per serving. Recipe by Richs India on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 55 min
Cost: $6.45 total, $3.22 per serving
Ingredients
- 200 g Spaghetti (dry, any brand)
- 1 tbsp Salt (kosher or sea salt for pasta water)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin recommended)
- 1 small Onion (finely chopped, about 50 g)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced, about 1 tbsp)
- 2 pieces Bird's Eye Chili (finely chopped, adjust to heat preference)
- 8 leaves Fresh Basil Leaves (split: 4 for tempering, 4 for garnish)
- 240 ml Tomato Puree (canned or blended fresh tomatoes)
- 120 ml Rich's Versat Gold Cooking Cream (acid tolerant, heat stable)
- 0.5 tsp Cracked Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated for topping)
- 2 tbsp Mozzarella Cheese (shredded, optional for stretchiness)
Instructions
Cook Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, add 1 tbsp salt, then add the spaghetti and cook 9–11 minutes until al dente.
Time: PT12M
Sauté Aromatics
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic and chopped bird's eye chilies; sweat for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
Time: PT3M
Add Basil Tempering
Toss in 4 basil leaves and stir for 30 seconds to release their aroma.
Time: PT0.5M
Simmer Tomato Puree
Pour in the tomato puree, lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Time: PT7M
Season Sauce
Add salt to taste and ½ tsp cracked black pepper, mixing well.
Time: PT0.5M
Incorporate Cooking Cream
Stir in 120 ml Rich's Versat Gold cooking cream, keep the heat low and let the sauce come to a light simmer for 2 minutes. Do not boil.
Time: PT2M
Finish with Fresh Basil
Add the remaining 4 basil leaves, give a quick stir.
Time: PT0.5M
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain the spaghetti, return it to the pot or skillet, add the sauce and toss with tongs. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve a silky coating.
Time: PT2M
Plate and Garnish
Transfer the creamy pasta to serving plates, sprinkle with grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella and a pinch of cracked black pepper.
Time: PT1M
Serve
Enjoy the pink‑sauced spaghetti hot, optionally with a side of garlic bread.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 550
- Protein
- 20 g
- Carbohydrates
- 70 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: vegetarian
Allergens: dairy, gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Spaghetti: any other pasta shape
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Onion: shallot
- Instead of Garlic: garlic paste
- Instead of Bird's Eye Chili: red chili flakes
- Instead of Fresh Basil Leaves: dried basil (use less)
- Instead of Tomato Puree: crushed tomatoes
- Instead of Rich's Versat Gold Cooking Cream: heavy cream, full‑fat coconut milk (different texture)
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: pecorino romano
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: fresh mozzarella cubes
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Skillet
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Spoons
- Tongs
- Grater
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sweat onions, garlic and chilies without browning
- Simmer tomato puree before adding the cooking cream
- Incorporate Rich's Versat Gold cooking cream on low heat to prevent splitting
- Toss pasta with sauce while hot to ensure a glossy coating
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use Rich's Versat Gold cooking cream for its heat‑stable properties – regular cream may separate.
- Add a handful of grated Parmesan directly into the sauce for extra depth before tossing with pasta.
- For a richer flavor, roast the garlic and onion lightly before sweating.
Troubleshooting
Sauce splits or curdles after adding cream.
Ensure the heat is low and the sauce is not boiling when the cream is added. Stir continuously and remove from heat as soon as it reaches a gentle simmer.
Pasta is overcooked and mushy.
Cook the spaghetti al dente (9‑11 minutes) and immediately drain. Rinse briefly with warm water only if you plan to hold it before mixing.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of milk or water if needed.
Freezer: Not recommended as the cream may separate after freezing.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The pink sauce can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead; store in the refrigerator and gently reheat on low before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.
- If the sauce thickens after chilling, whisk in a little warm milk or pasta water to restore its silky texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of spaghetti with pink sauce in Indian cuisine?
Spaghetti with pink (creamy tomato) sauce became popular in urban India as a fusion of Italian pasta with Indian spices like bird's eye chili and fresh basil, reflecting the country's love for adapting global dishes to local palates.
What are the traditional regional variations of creamy tomato pasta in India?
In the South, cooks often add coconut milk and curry leaves; in the North, they may use butter and garam masala. The version from Rich's India uses bird's eye chili and basil, giving it a distinct Indo‑Italian flair.
How is spaghetti with pink sauce traditionally served in Indian households?
It is usually served hot as a main course, topped with grated Parmesan or mozzarella, accompanied by a side of garlic naan or buttered toast, and enjoyed with family during weeknight meals or small gatherings.
On what occasions is spaghetti with pink sauce commonly prepared in India?
The dish is popular for quick family dinners, birthday parties, and even as a festive offering during school functions or office potlucks where a comforting yet slightly spicy pasta is appreciated.
How does spaghetti with pink sauce fit into the broader Indian fusion cuisine tradition?
It exemplifies Indian fusion by marrying Italian pasta techniques with Indian heat and aromatics, showcasing how Indian cooks reinterpret foreign dishes using locally loved ingredients like chilies, basil, and rich cooking creams.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Indian‑style creamy tomato pasta versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include tomato puree, fresh basil, bird's eye chili, and Rich's Versat Gold cooking cream. Substitutes can be regular heavy cream, dried basil (used sparingly), or red chili flakes if fresh chilies are unavailable.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making spaghetti with pink sauce?
Common errors are over‑cooking the garlic, boiling the cream which causes it to split, and letting the pasta sit too long after draining, which makes it soggy. Follow the low‑heat method for the cream and toss the pasta immediately with the sauce.
Why does this recipe add the cooking cream after simmering the tomato puree instead of boiling it?
Adding the cream after the tomato base has simmered keeps the sauce from reaching a vigorous boil, which protects the acid‑tolerant Versat Gold cream from curdling and preserves its silky texture.
Can I make the creamy tomato sauce ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the pink sauce can be prepared up to a day ahead. Cool it quickly, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to restore its creaminess before mixing with fresh pasta.
What does the YouTube channel Richs India specialize in?
The YouTube channel Richs India focuses on showcasing versatile Indian cooking using Rich's brand products, offering easy‑to‑follow tutorials that blend traditional flavors with modern convenience ingredients.
Last updated: September 4, 2026
