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Perfect Rose Pasta Recipe Easy Romantic Date Night Dinner Idea

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A quick and easy rose pasta recipe featuring a creamy tomato sauce perfect for romantic dinners or cozy weeknights. This dish blends crushed tomatoes with cream and garlic for a silky, flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) penne or favorite pasta
  • Salted water for boiling
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) canned crushed tomatoes (San Marzano recommended)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half (dairy-free cream for vegan option)
  • 1/4 cup (15 grams) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions (10 to 12 minutes) until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta water. Set pasta aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Pour in 1 cup (240 ml) crushed tomatoes and stir. Let simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens and raw tomato scent mellows.
  4. Lower heat and slowly stir in 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream. Stir gently until sauce turns pale pink and is heated through but not boiling, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. Stir in 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil), salt, black pepper to taste, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Add 1/4 cup (15 grams) grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and combined.
  6. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat evenly. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water little by little to reach desired consistency.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and let sit for a minute to meld flavors.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil leaves or Parmesan if desired. Pair with a fresh green salad or crusty bread.

Notes

Do not overcook garlic to avoid bitterness. Use good quality canned tomatoes for best flavor. Simmer sauce gently to blend flavors and prevent cream from curdling. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. For vegan version, substitute cream with coconut or cashew cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: rose pasta, creamy tomato sauce, romantic dinner, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, penne pasta, vegetarian pasta, date night dinner

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/perfect-rose-pasta-recipe-easy-romantic-date-night-dinner-idea/