Quick & Easy Pink Sauce Pasta

Coming up with new pasta recipes that the whole family will love can feel like mission impossible sometimes. Between picky eaters and busy weeknight schedules, it’s tempting to fall back on the same old spaghetti and meatballs routine. That’s exactly why this pink sauce pasta has become such a regular at our dinner table.

This creamy, tomato-based pasta hits that sweet spot – it’s different enough to feel special, but familiar enough that even selective eaters give it a thumbs up. Plus, it comes together in about the same time it takes to boil your noodles, making it perfect for those nights when cooking is the last thing you want to think about.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Gluten-free pasta comes in several varieties, and each type will give you slightly different results in this pink sauce recipe. Rice-based pasta tends to be the most common and offers a neutral flavor that works well with creamy sauces, while corn-based options have a slightly sweeter taste and usually hold their shape better during cooking. Chickpea or lentil pasta can work too, though they bring a nuttier flavor to the dish. For best results, be sure to cook your gluten-free pasta just until al dente – it can quickly go from perfect to mushy if overcooked. And don’t forget to give it a quick rinse with cold water after cooking to help prevent the noodles from sticking together.

Options for Substitutions

This easy pink sauce pasta recipe is super adaptable! Here are some helpful swaps you can try:

• Gluten-free pasta: You can easily use regular wheat pasta if gluten isn’t a concern. Any shape works well – try penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or even shells. Just remember that cooking times might vary between different types of pasta.
• Store-bought marinara: While pre-made sauce is convenient, you can make a quick homemade version using canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Even plain canned tomato sauce with some Italian seasoning will work in a pinch.
• Store-bought alfredo: No alfredo sauce? Make a quick version by combining 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup butter, and 1 cup grated parmesan cheese. Or try using mascarpone cheese mixed with a bit of milk for a similar creamy effect.
• Pink sauce combination: If you’re out of either sauce, you can make this dish with just marinara (for a classic red sauce pasta) or just alfredo (for a creamy white sauce pasta). Both options are just as good!

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest challenge when making pink sauce pasta is getting the right sauce consistency – mixing cold alfredo sauce with hot marinara can create an uneven texture, so bring both sauces to a similar temperature before combining them. A common error is overcooking the gluten-free pasta, which can quickly turn mushy – instead, cook it 1-2 minutes less than the package directions suggest and finish cooking it directly in the sauce. To prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or too thin, start by combining equal parts of marinara and alfredo, then adjust the ratio to your taste while keeping the pasta slightly underdone since it will continue absorbing the sauce. For the creamiest results, reserve a cup of pasta cooking water before draining – this starchy liquid helps the sauce cling to the pasta better and can thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick.

What to Serve With Pink Sauce Pasta?

Pink sauce pasta is such a filling main dish that you really only need a few simple sides to round out your meal. A basic green salad with Italian dressing or some roasted broccoli makes a perfect veggie pairing, helping to balance out the richness of the creamy sauce. If you’re craving some bread (and who isn’t?), warm garlic bread or breadsticks are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce left on your plate. For a complete Italian-inspired dinner, you might want to start with some antipasto – think marinated olives, fresh mozzarella, and some sliced Italian meats.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: Your pink sauce pasta will stay good in the fridge for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. The sauce might thicken up a bit in the fridge, which is totally normal. If you’re meal prepping, I recommend cooking the pasta just until al dente so it doesn’t get too soft when you reheat it.

Freeze: While you can freeze this pasta dish, keep in mind that the texture might change a bit when thawed. If you want to freeze it, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Pro tip: freeze the sauce separately from the pasta for better results!

Reheat: To warm up your pasta, add a splash of milk or cream to help loosen up the sauce, then heat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. You can also warm it up in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce seems too thick, just add a little more milk until you get the right consistency.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	15-20 minutes
Total Time	25-35 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 800-950
• Protein: 15-25 g
• Fat: 30-40 g
• Carbohydrates: 100-120 g

Ingredients

• Gluten-free penne pasta (or any preferred pasta shape)
• Pre-made marinara or spaghetti sauce (brands like gino’s or rao’s are good choices)
• Store-bought alfredo sauce (rao’s is a suggested brand)

Step 1: Cook and Drain the Pasta

Begin by cooking your pasta in a pot of boiling water until it reaches an al dente texture.

This ensures the pasta is firm to the bite, perfect for holding up to the sauce.

Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside temporarily.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Mixture

In the now-empty pot, add equal amounts of marinara or spaghetti sauce and Alfredo sauce.

Stir these sauces together until well combined.

Place the pot over low heat and gently warm the sauce mixture.

Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Once the sauce is evenly heated, add the drained pasta back into the pot with the sauce mixture.

Stir the pasta thoroughly to ensure each piece is well coated with the combination of marinara and Alfredo sauce.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

After the pasta is thoroughly coated in the sauce, it is ready to be served.

Plate the pasta while hot and enjoy your satisfying and easy-to-make meal.