Penne in pink sauce
Penne in tomato-cream sauce, served with shrimp.

- Cooking time
- 54 min
- Hands-on time
- 39 min
- Free time
- 15 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Cuisine
- Italian
- Contains
- Dairy, Gluten, Shellfish
Ingredients
Amounts follow the number of people
For the pasta
For the sauce
When doubling the quantity, use a wider container, and gradually increase the salt and seasoning after tasting.
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling — Keep a little cooking water to adjust the texture.
- Wide frying pan — The cream goes in gradually over low heat until the color turns.
- Food thermometer
Method
Boil plenty of water and salt it well until it becomes as salty as seawater.
You’ll know it’s ready whenThe water is at a rolling boil and the salt has dissolved.
Tip: One tablespoon of salt per liter — this is the only time you season the pasta itself.
Sauté the onions and garlic in oil until they wilt.
You’ll know it’s ready whenThe onion is translucent.
Add the tomatoes, oregano, and salt, and let it thicken.
You’ll know it’s ready whenThe sauce is thick and the oil has risen to the surface.
Reduce the heat and gradually add the cream while stirring until the color turns pink.
You’ll know it’s ready whenAn even pink color, and the cream hasn't split.
Tip: Add the cream once the sauce is just warm — very hot sauce makes it split.
Boil the pasta until it is tender with slight resistance in the center, and reserve a cup of the cooking water.
You’ll know it’s ready whenA piece has a slight bite in the middle.
Tip: The starchy cooking water is what binds the sauce to the pasta — don't throw it away.
Pat the shrimp dry and season with a little of the listed salt. Sauté in the tablespoon of oil for about 2–3 minutes per side until cooked, then lift out.
You’ll know it’s ready whenThe shrimp is opaque and pearly inside and reaches 63°C; do not cook until rubbery.
Stir the pasta into the sauce along with the Parmesan and a little of the cooking water. Add the cooked protein and toss gently before serving.
You’ll know it’s ready whenEach piece is pink.
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