If you’re looking for a unique and delicious twist on the classic mac and cheese, this Pink Sauce Mac & Cheese is the perfect recipe for you! Combining the creamy richness of traditional mac and cheese with the tangy and flavorful addition of tomato sauce, this dish is sure to become a new favorite. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this delightful comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb pasta (your choice)
- 4 tbsp butter
- Dash of olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Onion powder, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Handful of fresh basil, chopped
- Extra parmesan cheese for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking 1/2 lb of your favorite pasta in salted water until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta. Before straining the pasta, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Pink Sauce
In a large pan, add 4 tablespoons of butter and a dash of olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and cook until it becomes fragrant, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
Next, add 3 tablespoons of tomato paste to the pan and mix it well. Continue cooking until the tomato paste turns a dark red color. This helps to deepen the flavor of the tomato paste.
Then, pour in 1 cup of your favorite tomato sauce. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Add the Cream and Cheese
Once the tomato sauce is simmering, add 1.5 cups of heavy cream. Mix thoroughly and bring the sauce back to a simmer. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder to taste.
Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and grated parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir continuously until the cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add a handful of freshly chopped basil for an extra burst of flavor.
4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, along with a dash of the reserved pasta water. This will help to loosen the sauce and allow it to coat the pasta evenly. Let everything cook together for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta? A: Absolutely! Any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni works well with this sauce.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta fresh and combine with the reheated sauce when ready to serve.
Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream? A: You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce may be less rich. For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
Q: How can I make this dish gluten-free? A: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients, like the tomato sauce, are gluten-free.
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