Rose sauce pasta is the perfect solution when you can’t decide between tomato sauce and something creamy. It’s a cozy, balanced mix of tangy tomatoes and smooth cream that comes together in just minutes. To me, it has the flavor of cheese pizza in pasta form - what's not to love about that?! Add some gluten free garlic bread or a simple salad for a full restaurant style meal.
This simple rose pasta sauce requires less than 30 minutes cooking time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. But don't worry, the flavor is special enough for date night too. This recipe just feels a bit fancy without any fuss. It's an easy dish that even a beginner cook can master.
For more delicious gluten free & dairy free pasta recipes, I recommend my Marry Me chicken pasta or this simple lemon and garlic shrimp pasta.
Ingredient Notes
This quick pasta dish uses just a few simple ingredients and it's both gluten free and vegan as written.
- Gluten Free Pasta - Pink sauce pasta is typically made with penne pasta, although any kind of pasta will work so use your favorite pasta shapes. I love Tinkyada's gluten free pasta, since it seems to hold together better than some of the other brands.
- Tomato Sauce - Make sure to choose tomato sauce or tomato passata, not tomato paste or crushed tomatoes.
- Dairy Free Heavy Cream - I prefer Country Crock plant based heavy cream, but any brand will work fine. If you cannot find a vegan heavy cream, you could use lite canned coconut milk, but it will change the flavor of the dish. If you're not dairy free, use regular heavy cream in the same measure.
- Vegan Parmesan - I like to use the Violife Parmesan blocks and grate it myself, because it seems to melt easier. You can also use shredded mozzarella if you prefer. If you're not dairy free, use your favorite dairy Parmesan or mozzarella cheese.
See recipe card for full ingredient list with measurements.
Substitutions & Variations
- Not Dairy Free - Use dairy butter, heavy cream and Parmesan in the same measure.
- Not Gluten Free - Simply replace the gluten free pasta with regular pasta.
- Add Protein - Stir in cooked ground beef, chicken breast, shrimp, or Italian sausage for a heartier meal that still keeps the sauce star of the show.
- Add veggies - Mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers to add color and nutrition without overpowering the delicate sauce.
- Make it Spicy - If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
How to Make Creamy Rosé Sauce Pasta
This pink sauce pasta recipe comes together quickly and is packed with flavor. You're going to love how easy it is to make.
STEP 1: Heat butter and olive oil in a sauce pan or large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the red onions and saute until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
STEP 2: Add the minced garlic and dried basil to the sauteed onions and cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly.
STEP 3: Pour the tomato sauce into the sauce pan. Reduce the stove to medium-low heat. Bring to a simmer and let cook for about 3 minutes.
STEP 4: Add the Parmesan cheese and heavy cream to the tomato sauce. Continue to cook while stirring until the cheese is melted.
STEP 5: Finally, remove the pan from heat and stir the cooked pasta and ¼ cup of the pasta water into the pink pasta sauce. Stir gently until the pasta is coated and serve immediately.
Expert Tip
Gluten free pasta is more delicate than wheat pasta. For best results, be sure to cook the pasta just to al dente as it will continue to soften slightly once mixed with the sauce. This keeps the texture pleasant without getting mushy and falling apart.
Storage
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I would not recommend freezing this dish.
More quick dinner recipes to try:
If you try this recipe, please leave a 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 star rating and let me know how you liked it in the comments below.
Recipe
Rose Sauce Pasta (Pink Sauce Pasta)
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Gluten Free Pasta
- 2 Tablespoons Vegan Butter
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- ¾ Cup Red Onion diced
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons Dried Basil
- 15 ounces Tomato Sauce
- ¾ Cup Plant Based Cream
- ½ Cup Vegan Parmesan Cheese plus more for serving
- Fresh Basil optional garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta to al dente according to package directions. Drain and reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water.8 ounces Gluten Free Pasta
- Add the butter and olive oil to a sauce pan or skillet over medium heat.2 Tablespoons Vegan Butter, 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- Once the butter has melted, add in the diced red onion. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes, while stirring occasionally.¾ Cup Red Onion
- Add the minced garlic and dried basil and cook while stirring constantly for 1 minutes.4 cloves Garlic, 2 teaspoons Dried Basil
- Pour in the tomato sauce and stir together. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the sauce to come to a low simmer and cook for about 3 minutes.15 ounces Tomato Sauce
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream and stir together, continue to cook while stirring until the cheese has melted into the sauce.¾ Cup Plant Based Cream, ½ Cup Vegan Parmesan Cheese
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in the cooked pasta and the reserved pasta sauce. Serve immediately.Fresh Basil
Notes
- Not Dairy Free - Use dairy butter, heavy cream and Parmesan in the same measure.
- Not Gluten Free - Simply replace the gluten free pasta with regular pasta.
- Add Protein - Stir in cooked ground beef, chicken, shrimp, or sausage for a heartier meal that still keeps the sauce star of the show.
- Add veggies - Mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers to add color and nutrition without overpowering the delicate sauce.
- Make it Spicy - If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
Tiffany is the recipe developer, stylist and food photographer behind Well Fed Baker. As a lifelong baker who had to go gluten free and dairy free in 2016, Tiffany strives to share allergen friendly recipes that never feel like they are free from anything.
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