An Easy Weeknight Pleasure: Italian Pink Sauce with Sausage
The Joy of Creamy Tomato Sauce
Italian pink sauce has taken the pasta world by storm with its blend of crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, garlic, and red pepper flakes for a rich yet bright tomato sauce. At its heart is the simple comfort of pasta tossed in a creamy, hearty sauce – the perfect easy and satisfying meal.
Key Ingredients for Luxury Italian Pink Sauce
The foundation of this sauce comes from some essential pantry staples:
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
You can also substitute coconut cream for the dairy if needed. The sausage adds savory depth while the cream takes the edge off the tomatoes for velvety silkiness.
Browning the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the loose sausage meat until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Switch to a paper towel-coated plate and set apart.
Building Flavor
Return the skillet to medium warmness with a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté shallots for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
The Tomato Base
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and their juices. Add a splash of tomato paste for concentrated flavor. Allow the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes to thicken barely.
Creaminess Perfected
Whisk in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Return the browned sausage to the sauce and warm thru. dispose of from warmth and season with salt and pepper to flavor.
Pasta Pleasure
Toss with your favorite pasta shape like rigatoni or penne. The starchy pasta water helps the sauce coat the noodles beautifully. Top with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Nutrition
Per 1 cup serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 16g
- Carbs: 28g
Pairings Galore
This comforting sauce begs to be eaten alongside:
- Garlic bread
- Mixed green salad with red wine vinaigrette
- Chicken cutlets or shrimp
- Eggplant parmesan sandwich the next day
You can also adapt it in flavorful ways:
- Swap Italian sausage for ground pork
- Stir in shredded basil or diced olives
- Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat
- Amp up the heat with red pepper flakes
FAQs about Italian Pink Sauce
If it has, then the sausage is secure to devour.
The key indicator of doneness need to constantly be the internal temperature, not the color.
Make-Ahead Ease
The sauce actually improves when made a day ahead! certainly shop in an hermetic container within the fridge. To reheat, add a splash of pasta water or chicken broth to loosen it up. Also freeze individual portions for fast weeknight meals.
In the comments below, please share your favorite pastas to pair this versatile sauce with and any other tips you have for making it! Buon appetito!