Name: Rose Shrimp Pasta – Italian Pink Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Your choice of pasta; 2 cups tomato sauce; 1 tbsp tomato paste; Minced onion; Minced garlic; Butter; Shredded parmesan; Salt and pepper to taste; ½ cup heavy cream; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 2 tsp oregano; Red pepper; Cilantro (garnishing)

Jump to Recipe

Looking for a restaurant-worthy meal you can whip up in your own kitchen? Let me introduce you to my all-time favorite: Rose Shrimp Pasta – Italian Pink Sauce. This dish brings together luscious tomato, a splash of cream, and succulent shrimp over perfectly twirled pasta—a total showstopper for date nights, family dinners, or when you just want to treat yourself to something extraordinary. The sauce is delicate, beautifully pink, and layered with aromatic herbs. You’ll savor every bite, and I promise, it’s much simpler to make than you’d ever imagine!

Rose Shrimp Pasta - Italian Pink Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The charm of this recipe comes from its simple but powerful lineup of ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, from building a vibrant sauce to finishing your Rose Shrimp Pasta – Italian Pink Sauce with cheesy, herby notes and irresistible creaminess. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you shouldn’t skip a single one.

Your choice of pasta: Pick your favorite shape—linguine, fettuccine, penne or spaghetti all work beautifully for cradling the creamy pink sauce.
2 cups tomato sauce: This forms the base, giving richness and a little sweetness to the pink sauce.
1 tbsp tomato paste: Adds concentrated tomato flavor and deepens the color of the sauce.
Minced onion: Essential for building an aromatic backbone—sweet and savory at the same time.
Minced garlic: Can’t have Italian-inspired anything without the robust, heady flavor of garlic.
Butter: For sautéing and flavor—makes the sauce extra silky.
Shredded parmesan: Adds a salty, nutty finish that really ties the dish together.
Salt and pepper to taste: A must for ensuring every ingredient shines its brightest!
½ cup heavy cream: Makes the magic happen with the tomato, turning the sauce perfectly rosy and luscious.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that boosts the sauce’s depth and Italian flair.
2 tsp oregano: Elevates the savory notes and highlights the tomato base beautifully.
Red pepper: Just a pinch for a subtle kick that wakes up your palate!
Cilantro (for garnishing): It’s an unconventional twist, but the fresh, citrusy flavor is unexpectedly perfect on top.

How to Make Rose Shrimp Pasta – Italian Pink Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin with your favorite pasta—cook it in a pot of generously salted boiling water just until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve about a cup of that pasta water before you drain it; this little trick ensures you can adjust your sauce’s consistency to perfection later on.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet set over medium heat, melt a generous knob of butter. Add the minced onion and garlic, sautéing them together. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen smells incredible and the onions turn soft and almost translucent—don’t rush this step because it’s key to the flavor base for your Rose Shrimp Pasta – Italian Pink Sauce.

Step 3: Add Tomato Paste

Stir the tomato paste directly into your aromatic base. It’ll deepen in color and become even more fragrant as it cooks for a minute or two—this process really brings out that sweet, intense tomato flavor that makes the sauce pop.

Step 4: Season With Herbs and Salt

Next up: sprinkle in the oregano and a little salt—this wakes up all those savory flavors simmering in your pan. Mix well so every bit of onion and garlic gets infused.

Step 5: Create the Pink Sauce

With the heat lowered, pour in your tomato sauce, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. The transformation is almost instant: watch the sauce turn from red to a gorgeous blush pink, thickening to just the right consistency. Let it bubble gently so the flavors meld together and the sauce becomes completely irresistible.

Step 6: Bring Everything Together

Add your cooked pasta to the skillet, using tongs or a big spoon to toss everything together. If the sauce is a touch too thick, stir in a splash of that reserved pasta water until it’s silky and clings beautifully to every noodle.

Step 7: Add Parmesan

Now for the grand finale: shower the pasta with a hearty handful of shredded parmesan. Give it all one last toss—the cheese melts right into the sauce, making it creamy and savory in all the right ways.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Serve up your piping-hot Rose Shrimp Pasta – Italian Pink Sauce straight from the skillet onto plates. Don’t forget to finish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a bright, unexpected finish!

How to Serve Rose Shrimp Pasta – Italian Pink Sauce

Garnishes

For that signature look and a burst of fresh flavor, garnishing your Rose Shrimp Pasta – Italian Pink Sauce with chopped cilantro is a must! You can also add an extra sprinkle of parmesan, a dusting of cracked black pepper, or even a drizzle of good olive oil for extra gloss and depth.

Side Dishes

This dish shines brightest with a crisp, lemony salad or a side of crusty bread—perfect for scooping up every last bit of luscious pink sauce. Garlic knots or an easy caprese salad are also fantastic pairings for a truly Italian-inspired spread.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling a touch creative, try plating your pasta in individual bowls with a cluster of shrimp right on top, swirl the noodles into little nests, or serve family-style in a big beautiful bowl at the center of the table. A scattering of microgreens or edible flowers can turn this weeknight dinner into a picture-perfect feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Rose Shrimp Pasta – Italian Pink Sauce cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep happily in your fridge for up to three days. Be sure to store the pasta and sauce together, so those flavors keep mingling!

Freezing

To freeze, allow the pasta and sauce to cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. While the creamy sauce can separate a bit after freezing, don’t worry—a gentle reheat (with a splash of milk or pasta water) brings everything back together deliciously.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your pasta in a skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water, cream, or milk to revive the sauce’s luxurious texture. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving also works—just do it in short bursts, stirring in between to keep things creamy and smooth.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein instead of shrimp?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, sautéed scallops, or roasted vegetables work beautifully in this pasta if you’d prefer a variation on Rose Shrimp Pasta – Italian Pink Sauce. Just adjust the cooking time to suit whatever you choose.

How spicy is this dish?

The touch of red pepper gives it only a subtle heat—enough to liven things up, but not so much that it overwhelms the creamy sauce. If you love heat, feel free to add more to taste!

Is there a dairy-free version?

You can substitute coconut milk or a rich plant-based cream for the heavy cream, and use a dairy-free cheese or skip the parmesan entirely. The pasta will still be creamy and flavorful, though the taste will be subtly different.

What’s the best type of pasta to use?

Honestly, you can’t go wrong—linguine, penne, and spaghetti are all excellent for holding on to the Rose Shrimp Pasta – Italian Pink Sauce. Pick what you love or what’s already in your pantry!

Why cilantro as a garnish?

Cilantro isn’t traditional in Italian cooking, but the fresh, almost citrusy notes provide a wonderful contrast to the rich, creamy sauce. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh basil or parsley are classic alternatives.

Final Thoughts

Give this Rose Shrimp Pasta – Italian Pink Sauce a try, and you’ll discover it’s as approachable as it is special. Let it become your go-to meal for impressing guests, treating loved ones, or simply indulging yourself on a cozy night in. Trust me: one taste and this dazzling pink dish will become a staple in your kitchen too!

Rose Shrimp Pasta – Italian Pink Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 13 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Rose Shrimp Pasta recipe features a delightful blend of flavors in a creamy Italian pink sauce, perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, saving 1 cup of pasta water.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté minced onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent.
Add Tomato Paste: Stir in tomato paste and let it blend with the onions and garlic.
Season: Sprinkle in oregano and salt. Mix well.
Make the Pink Sauce: Reduce heat and add tomato sauce, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the sauce thickens and turns pink. Simmer gently.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss cooked pasta in the pink sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
Finish with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded parmesan over the pasta. Toss to melt and incorporate the cheese.
Serve: Plate the pasta hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian