Rose Pasta Sauce (Gigi-Style) — Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta

Name: Rose Pasta Sauce (Gigi-Style) — Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 2 finely diced shallots; 4 oz pancetta, capicola, or prosciutto chopped into small cubes.; 8 oz white button mushrooms, sliced; 4 cloves garlic, finely diced; 2 cups (16 oz) tomatoes (chopped, canned, or sauce); 1 Tbsp tomato paste; ½ tsp dried oregano; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes; ½ cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated fresh parmesan cheese; 350g pasta - Please see options below

Tim
Aug 19
3 min read

Rose pasta sauce, also known as pink sauce pasta, blends the tang of tomatoes with the richness of cream to create a smooth, velvety pasta dish. This Rose Pasta Sauce (Gigi-Style) — Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta includes mushrooms, prosciutto, and parmesan, offering deep flavor and a satisfying finish. It’s an elegant yet easy recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

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A plate of bowtie pasta with rose sauce and parmesan cheese, surrounded by cheese block, pasta, bread, and kale on a white surface. — A delicious plate of bowtie pasta topped with hearty Rose Pasta Sauce and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese.

Region: Italy

Rose Pasta Sauce (Gigi-style) has been a beloved dish long before Gigi Hadid brought the Vodka infused Gigi Sauce name viral on social media. In Montreal, Canada Gigi Sauce has remained a staple within the Italian restaurant community, celebrated for its creamy, comforting flavors. Rooted in the traditional Italian “salsa rosa,” this version elevates the classic by incorporating cured meats, adding depth and richness. It’s a modern homage to a timeless favorite.

What Makes This Creamy Tomato Pasta So Special?

Balanced flavor – tangy tomatoes + velvety cream.
Smoky depth – prosciutto, pancetta or capicola adds savory richness.
Umami boost – mushrooms give body and earthiness.
Quick and easy – a one-pan sauce ready in under 30 minutes.
Comfort classic – a timeless Italian-inspired pasta recipe.

Assorted ingredients on a white cloth: tomatoes, prosciutto, parmesan cheese, cream, mushrooms, pasta, shallots, garlic, pepper, and chilies. — Ingredients for a delicious pasta dish including fresh tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, bow-tie pasta, cream, parmesan cheese, shallots, garlic, chili peppers, black pepper, and prosciutto.

Rose Pasta Sauce - Recipe Ingredients

Each ingredient in this dish brings a unique flavor note that helps build a complete pasta dish. Here's what each one contributes:

Extra virgin olive oil – smooth, rich base.
Finely diced shallots – mild sweetness, delicate onion flavor.
White button mushrooms – earthy, umami depth.
Pancetta, capicola, or prosciutto – smoky, salty complexity. Either one works very well. Don’t be shy to try two at the same time.
Garlic, finely diced – fragrant foundation.
Tomatoes – fresh, canned, or sauce for brightness.
Tomato paste – intensifies tomato flavor.
Oregano – subtle herbal notes.
Red pepper flakes – gentle heat.
Heavy cream – transforms tomato into silky rose sauce.
Parmesan cheese – nutty, salty finish.
Pasta – There are lots of choices for pasta including: penne, rigatoni, linguini, rotini, bow tie, tortellini, or spaghetti. They all work very well so use what you have available or what you like best. There are no hard rules.

Please see the Recipe Card below for more detail on the quantities for each ingredient.

Key Steps in the preparation process of the Rose Pasta Sauce

This amazing sauce comes together with just a few essential kitchen tools: a sharp knife and a pot or Dutch oven. Below is a quick overview of the key steps, supported by helpful visuals to guide you through the process.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté shallots and pancetta until golden and the prosciutto is slightly crispy.
Stir in the mushrooms and cook until golden.
Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer on low for 15 minutes.
Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream until creamy.
Cook pasta to al dente, keep one cup of the pasta water.
Toss pasta with the sauce until coated. Add some pasta water to adjust to preferred consistency (Thick or thin).
Serve warm, topped with parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.

More detailed instructions are available in the Recipe Card below.

Chopped onions and prosciutto are being sautéed in a pan, turning golden brown. The oil sizzles, creating a fragrant and savory aroma. — Preparing the Shallots and Prosciutto

Sautéed mushrooms, prosciutto, and onions with chili flakes in a cream-colored pot, creating a savory and aromatic dish. — Adding in the mushrooms and garlic.

A pot of rich, red tomato sauce with visible chunks simmers on a stovetop. Wooden spoon in background, stainless steel kitchen setting. — Tomato added and cooked to blend all of the flavors.

A pot of rich, rose pasta sauce with mushrooms and Prosciutto looks flavorful and aromatic, with a warm, inviting feel. — Cream added to the tomato sauce to create the smooth and silky texture.

Rose Pasta Sauce (Gigi-Style) - Ingredient Alternatives and Options

This rose pasta sauce (Gigi-style) adapts easily:

Vegetarian version: Skip prosciutto, add zucchini, spinach, or roasted peppers.
Cheese alternatives: Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite.
Cream variation: Use mascarpone or half-and-half cream.
Herb twist: Fresh basil for brightness.

Be sure to check the Recipe Card below for full details and substitutions.