Creamy Pink Alfredo Pasta: Easy Valentine’s Day Dinner Recipe
This creamy pink Alfredo pasta is the perfect romantic dinner! A beautiful blush sauce made with Parmesan, cream, and marinara—ready in 25 minutes for a cozy Valentine’s night in.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
12 oz fettuccine (or pasta of choice)
1 cup heavy cream
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup marinara or tomato sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water (about 1 tbsp salt) to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente (8–10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream and whisk to combine. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth and melted. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Add marinara sauce and stir until the sauce turns a soft pink. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated, adding pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
Adjust marinara amount for a lighter or deeper pink color.
