This Cheesy Pink Señoritas Pasta is a fun and colorful dish. With creamy cheese and a light pink sauce, it makes a tasty meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s quick to whip up!
The best part? The cheese just melts in your mouth! I often serve it with a sprinkle of herbs for extra flair. Trust me, you’ll want seconds of this delightful pasta! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using penne or fusilli because their shapes hold sauce well. But if you don’t have those, any short pasta like rotini or farfalle will do the trick!
Tomato Sauce: This gives the dish its signature pink color. If you prefer less acidity, you can substitute it with a roasted red pepper sauce or even a mild marinara.
Heavy Cream: While heavy cream creates a rich sauce, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative like cashew cream for a lighter option.
Cheese: I like using a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for rich flavor. If you want to cut down on calories, you can cut back on the cheese or use lighter versions.
How Can You Make the Perfect Pink Sauce?
Making the pink sauce requires a balance of flavors. Start with onion and garlic sautéed in olive oil to build a base. When you add tomato sauce, let it simmer a bit to enhance the flavor before introducing cream.
- Cook the tomato sauce with seasonings for a few minutes to deepen its taste.
- Mix in the cream gently over low heat so it doesn’t curdle.
- Be sure to melt the cream cheese well to keep the sauce smooth.
The key is stirring constantly to blend the ingredients and achieve that lovely pink hue. Enjoy it over your pasta for a delightful meal! 😊
Cheesy Pink Señoritas Pasta Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or fusilli work well)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce (for pink color)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
For Garnishing:
- Fresh basil or parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cheesy Pink Señoritas Pasta will take about 25 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and about 15 minutes preparing the creamy pink sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying dish for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain it and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Make the Sauce:
Next, stir in the tomato sauce and allow it to simmer for about 3-4 minutes. This step helps enhance the flavor. Then, reduce the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce takes on a lovely light pink color.
4. Add the Cheeses:
Now, add the softened cream cheese into the mixture, stirring until it melts and blends smoothly into the sauce. Then, mix in the shredded mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese, stirring until everything is well combined and melted.
5. Season and Combine:
Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and red chili flakes if you like a little heat. Finally, toss the cooked pasta into the sauce and mix well until every piece is beautifully coated.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the pasta in bowls and finish off with a sprinkle of the remaining Parmesan cheese and some fresh basil or parsley. Enjoy your Cheesy Pink Señoritas Pasta, and don’t forget to have seconds if you’re feeling extra hungry!
FAQ for Cheesy Pink Señoritas Pasta
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne and fusilli work great, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as rotini, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just keep an eye on the cooking time according to the package instructions.
What If I Don’t Have Cream Cheese?
No worries! You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone cheese or even a dollop of ricotta for a similar creamy texture. Just make sure to mix it well for a smooth sauce.
How Can I Make the Sauce Lighter?
If you’re looking for a lighter version, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also reduce the amount of cheese, though this will affect the creaminess of the sauce.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat it gently before adding the pasta. It’s best to cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve, as it can become mushy if reheated.
