Pretty in Pink

Turn dinnertime into a celebration with "Pretty in Pink," a creamy penne pasta dish that's as vibrant as it is indulgent. This quick and easy recipe combines hearty penne with a luscious tomato cream sauce, elevated by the bold flavors of garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and fresh basil. The sauce owes its signature silky texture to heavy cream and grated Parmesan, while a touch of reserved pasta water ensures the perfect consistency. Ready in just 30 minutes, "Pretty in Pink" delivers restaurant-quality comfort straight to your table. Garnish with extra basil and Parmesan for a stunning finish and serve this irresistible pasta creation as the ultimate centerpiece of your next meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining, this dish is sure to satisfy. Keywords: creamy penne pasta recipe, tomato cream sauce, quick dinner ideas, easy pasta recipes, basil garnish, Italian-inspired comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• 0.75 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until the butter is melted.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to the pan. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

Step 4

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce is thoroughly combined and creamy.

Step 6

Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is well seasoned.

Step 7

Toss the cooked penne pasta into the sauce, stirring to coat each piece. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 8

Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the pasta and stir gently to combine.

Step 9

Serve the Pretty in Pink pasta immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1074.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2437.7

Total Fat 116.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 59.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.0g
Cholesterol 285.8mg	0%
Sodium 3747.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 277.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.8g	0%
Total Sugars 16.7g
Protein 65.7g	0%

Vitamin D 4.5IU	0%
Calcium 625.0mg	0%
Iron 18.5mg	0%
Potassium 2183.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.2%

Protein: 10.9%

Carbs: 45.9%