- VE
These Carbs Don't Count
May 13, 2025
This Pink Sauce Mac & Cheese is the ultimate creamy comfort dish. A savory tomato-cream sauce forms the base, enhanced with garlic, butter, and a rich trio of cheeses—cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Tossed with your favorite pasta and finished with fresh basil, it's a warm, indulgent take on mac & cheese that brings together the best of red and white sauces.
16 Ingredients
Instructions
1
|
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
2
|
In a large pan, melt butter with a splash of olive oil over medium heat.
3
|
Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
4
|
Stir in tomato paste and cook until deep red, then pour in tomato sauce.
5
|
Simmer briefly, then add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
6
|
Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
7
|
Add cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh basil. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
8
|
Toss in the cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water. Simmer for a few more minutes to combine.
9
|
Top with extra Parmesan and enjoy warm.
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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Tips & Tricks (5)
- Pasta Water Magic 💧Always reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining - its starchy consistency is perfect for creating a silky, emulsified pink sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
- Cheese Layering Technique 🧀Grate your cheeses fresh and add them gradually off the heat, stirring constantly to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, creamy texture without graininess.
- Tomato Paste Caramelization 🍅Toast the tomato paste in the pan for 1-2 minutes before adding other liquids to develop a deeper, more concentrated flavor profile and remove any raw metallic taste.
- Garlic Infusion Hack 🧄Mince garlic fine and let it sit for 10 minutes before cooking to activate its allicin compounds, maximizing both flavor intensity and potential health benefits.
- Fresh Basil Finishing Touch 🌿Tear fresh basil leaves instead of chopping to prevent bruising, and add them at the very end of cooking to preserve their vibrant color and aromatic oils.
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