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Perfect Rose Pasta Recipe for a Romantic Valentine’s Dinner

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This dreamy rose pasta features silky noodles tossed in a creamy tomato sauce with garlic, parmesan, and fresh basil—perfect for a romantic Valentine’s dinner or any cozy night in. Quick, easy, and restaurant-worthy, it’s comfort food with a touch of luxury.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz dried pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
  • Salt, for pasta water
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes (San Marzano preferred)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, torn or sliced, for garnish
  • Extra parmesan cheese, for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Mince garlic, finely chop onion, and grate parmesan cheese if not pre-grated. Set aside basil leaves for garnish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add dried pasta to boiling water and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining, then drain pasta.
  3. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent.
  4. Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in crushed tomatoes, add a pinch of salt and black pepper. Simmer 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream and simmer gently for 1-2 minutes until creamy and smooth.
  7. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed.
  8. Add drained pasta to skillet with sauce. Toss well to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed until sauce clings to noodles.
  9. Plate pasta in shallow bowls. Top with fresh basil leaves and extra parmesan. Serve immediately.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to help the sauce cling to noodles. Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor. For vegan or gluten-free adaptations, swap cream and cheese for plant-based alternatives and use gluten-free pasta. Add protein or seasonal veggies for variety. Serve immediately for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: rose pasta, romantic dinner, Valentine’s Day, creamy tomato pasta, Italian pasta, date night recipe, easy pasta, comfort food

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/perfect-rose-pasta-recipe-for-a-romantic-valentines-dinner/