Description
Creamy Pink Alfredo Pasta combines the richness of classic Alfredo sauce with a subtle tomato twist, creating a luscious, velvety pasta dish perfect for a comforting meal. This flavorful recipe features a smooth blend of cream, cream cheese, Parmesan, and tomato paste, accented with garlic, onion, and a hint of nutmeg, served over tender fettuccine.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or other pasta of choice
Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (or more, as needed)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1-2 cups of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Build the Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer while whisking continuously. Add softened cream cheese and whisk until fully smooth and blended.
- Add Cheese & Season: Stir in ground nutmeg, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is achieved.
- Combine & Serve: Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat evenly. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as it helps the sauce cling better to the pasta.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smooth melting.
- This sauce is best served immediately but can be gently reheated with a splash of cream or water.
- Optional herbs like parsley or basil add freshness and color.
