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These Carbs Don't Count
These Carbs Don't CountVerified

May 13, 2025

13 Ingredients
MEDIUM

This Creamy Tomato Parmesan Pasta—aka pink sauce pasta—is a quick and indulgent dish made with pantry staples and lots of cheese. A base of butter, garlic, and tomato paste is blended with heavy cream to create the signature 'pink' hue, then enriched with both Parmesan and mozzarella. Fresh basil brings brightness, and a touch of reserved pasta water helps the sauce cling to every noodle. Comforting, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying—this recipe is an easy go-to for weeknights or cozy weekends.

Creamy Tomato Parmesan Pasta
Creamy Tomato Parmesan Pasta
Creamy Tomato Parmesan Pasta
Creamy Tomato Parmesan Pasta cover
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
1/4

Creamy Tomato Parmesan Pasta

By
These Carbs Don't Count
These Carbs Don't CountVerified

Ingredients

plates
Milk and 5 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

1
|
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.
2
|
In a large skillet, melt butter with a dash of olive oil over medium heat.
3
|
Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4
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Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
5
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Pour in heavy cream and stir until fully combined. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
6
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7
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Add cooked pasta, a splash of pasta water, Parmesan, mozzarella, and chopped basil.
8
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Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta.
9
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Serve topped with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.
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Tips & Tricks (5)

  • Pasta Water Magic 💧
    Always reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining - the starchy liquid is crucial for creating a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats your noodles.
  • Tomato Paste Caramelization 🍅
    Toast the tomato paste in butter for 2-3 minutes before adding other ingredients to develop a deeper, more complex flavor and remove any raw tomato taste.
  • Cheese Melting Technique 🧀
    Remove the sauce from direct heat when adding cheese and stir continuously to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Garlic Infusion Trick 🧄
    Gently crush whole garlic cloves and sauté them in olive oil, then remove before adding other ingredients to impart maximum flavor without burning.
  • Fresh Basil Preservation 🌿
    Tear basil leaves by hand instead of chopping to prevent bruising, and add them at the very end of cooking to maintain their bright, fresh flavor and vibrant green color.

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About the Cook

These Carbs Don't Count

These Carbs Don't Count

Verified

Hi! I’m Angela and if you’re reading this you probably love carbs & pasta and you’ve come to the right place. I’m so excited to share delicious recipes, cooking tips, gluten free life & restaurant recs! Welcome carbies and subscribe for more content! Link above :)

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