Pink Sauce Mac & Cheese

This Pink Sauce Mac & Cheese is a creamy, cheesy twist on a classic comfort food. Garlic and tomato paste create a rich foundation, while tomato sauce and heavy cream bring the pink hue and velvety texture. A trio of cheeses—cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan—melt perfectly into the sauce, which clings to the pasta with a touch of starchy water. Finished with fresh basil and more cheese, this indulgent dish is quick, satisfying, and full of bold flavor.

Author: These Carbs Don't Count

Category: Pasta

Cuisine: American

Difficulty: MEDIUM

Prep. Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 2 bowls

Calories: 1,031 kcal per serving

Ingredients

½ pound - pasta
⅛ - Salt
3 tablespoon - butter
⅛ Dash - olive oil
3 cloves - garlic
3 tablespoon - tomato paste
1 cup - tomato sauce
¾ cup - heavy cream
⅛ - Salt
⅛ - Black pepper
½ teaspoon - garlic powder
½ teaspoon - onion powder
½ cup - cheddar cheese
½ cup - mozzarella cheese
½ cup - Parmesan cheese
⅛ Handful - fresh basil
⅛ - Reserved pasta water

Instructions

Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain.
In a pan over medium heat, melt butter with a dash of olive oil. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Add tomato paste and cook until dark red. Stir in tomato sauce and bring to a simmer.
Pour in heavy cream and stir. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
Mix in chopped basil. Add cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water. Stir to combine.
Simmer for a few minutes to thicken. Serve topped with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.