The perfect blush sauce recipe. Don’t believe me? You should, pasta sauce is kinda my thing.
Are you craving a big bowl of pasta but can’t decide whether you want a red sauce or cream sauce? (I can’t tell you how many times this has happened to me.) Blush sauce is the best pasta sauce for these times.
So let’s dive into one of the easiest pasta sauces you can make. Trust me, it’s nearly no-fail. This creamy, tomato-based sauce has a great flavor that pairs perfectly with any type of pasta or protein. We’ll also cover some variations of blush cream sauce, possible substitutions, and some frequently asked questions. Let’s get cooking!
Blush Sauce Versus Vodka Sauce
Italian pasta dishes often feature creamy tomato-based sauces such as blush sauce and vodka sauce. While both sauces share a similar base, vodka sauce stands out due to the addition of vodka, which not only provides a unique flavor but also contributes to its smooth texture. Blush sauce, on the other hand, does not contain vodka and instead relies on the perfect balance of tomatoes and cream to achieve its signature pink color and rich taste.
What You’ll Need
Tomatoes. The base of the sauce, tomatoes add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
Heavy cream. Creates a rich, velvety texture and gives the sauce its signature pink hue. You can also use half and half.
Garlic. Provides a punch of flavor and depth.
Onion. Adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the sauce’s overall flavor.
Olive oil. Used for sautéing the garlic and onion, and adds a hint of richness. There are lots of different types of olive oil. But use the highest quality your budget can handle.
Tomato paste. Deepens the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce. Don’t have tomato paste handy? Here are some tomato paste substitutes to use instead.
Red pepper flakes. Red pepper flakes offer a touch of heat to balance the richness. Use as much, or as little, as you’d like.
Salt and black pepper. Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Parmesan cheese. Adds a nutty, salty taste and helps to thicken the sauce.
Fresh basil. Brings a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor to the dish.
Penne pasta. The perfect pasta shape for holding onto the creamy sauce.
How to Make Blush Sauce (aka Tomato Cream Sauce)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 lb penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together, then let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes over medium-low heat, allowing the flavors to meld.
- While the sauce is simmering, cook your pasta according to package instructions in a big bowl of salted water until al dente
Bush Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic cloves minced
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 28 oz diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- saltÂ
- black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves chopped
- 1 lb penne pasta or pasta of choice
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.Â
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.Â
- Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together, then let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes over medium-low heat, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add the heavy cream and cheese and let it slowly reduce.Â
- While the sauce is reducing, cook your pasta according to package instructions in a big bowl of salted water until al dente.
- Finally, add the basil to the sauce.
- Serve over your pasta of choice.
Nutrition
Blush Sauce Recipe Variations
Add protein. From chicken to shrimp, pretty much any protein goes well as an addition to this sauce. My personal favorite is throwing in some spicy Italians sausage!
Add peas. If you know me and know my recipes, you also know I’m probably always going to recommend adding some veggies. And though I’ve played around with a few different veggie additions in this sauce, by far my favorite is fresh peas. They hold their texture well in this sauce, unlike broccoli which might become mushy, and provide a great added bite and mouth feel to the sauce.
Use an immersion blender. If you love smoother blush cream sauce, you can either put your pasta sauce through a blender or use an immersion blender. The latter is definitely the easier option. Just remember to blend before you add any veggies or protein.
Blush Pasta Sauce Substitutions
Swap out the heavy cream. Don’t have heavy cream on hand or looking to lighten the dish a bit? Try swapping out the cream for either half and half or using a similar amount of ricotta. If using ricotta, I recommend blending the sauce at the end (see above) for a smoother texture.
Go vegan. You might think this is one of those recipes that just can’t go vegan. I’ll admit, it’s not the easiest, but it can be done. Here’s how:
- Replace the heavy cream with a vegan alternative such as full-fat coconut milk, cashew cream, or a store-bought dairy-free cream. These options will still provide the creamy texture needed for the sauce.
- Substitute the grated parmesan cheese with a vegan parmesan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast will add a cheesy, nutty flavor while keeping the dish plant-based.
Blush Sauce FAQs
What is blush sauce made of?
Blush sauce is a creamy tomato sauce made with a combination of tomatoes, heavy cream, garlic, onion, and various seasonings. Its name comes from the beautiful pinkish hue the sauce takes on when the tomatoes and cream are combined.
Is vodka sauce the same as blush sauce?
Vodka sauce is similar to blush sauce, as both are creamy tomato-based sauces. However, vodka sauce includes vodka in its list of ingredients, which adds a unique flavor and helps to emulsify the sauce. Blush sauce does not typically contain vodka.
What is pink sauce pasta made of?
Pink sauce pasta is made by combining a creamy blush sauce with your choice of pasta. The sauce itself is made from tomatoes, heavy cream, garlic, onion, and various seasonings, creating a delightful pink hue when mixed together.
What is pink sauce actually called?
Pink sauce is often referred to as blush sauce or rosa sauce. These names all describe the same creamy tomato sauce with its signature pinkish color.
More Pasta Recipes
Mexican Spaghetti
Boursin Pasta Recipe
Olive Garden Stuffed Shells
Penne Pomodoro
Easy Tuna Pasta
Easy Fried Spaghetti
