What is inside
What is inside Aakhri Pasta (Pink Sauce Pasta)?
Aakhri Pasta (Pink Sauce Pasta) is pasta in a creamy pink sauce with vegetables, adapted to Indian tastes. Here is what is inside it, layer by layer, and why each one is there.
From the Tapri Chai kitchen · November 2026 · 2 min read
Layers
5 in all
Key ingredient
Pink sauce
Heat
Medium
Served
Hot, creamy
The 5 layers of Aakhri Pasta (Pink Sauce Pasta)
Aakhri Pasta (Pink Sauce Pasta) is built from 5 parts. They are listed in the order you meet them, and the numbers match the diagram.
The pasta
Penne or a similar short pasta, cooked al dente in salted water so it holds up in the sauce.
The tomato base
Chopped or pureed tomato cooked down with garlic and onion into a smooth, slightly sweet red sauce.
The cream
A splash of cream or a white sauce stirred in, which turns the red sauce pink and makes it silky.
The vegetables
Capsicum, broccoli, corn, mushrooms or other vegetables, sautéed until just tender.
The seasoning
Chilli flakes, oregano and black pepper, with more heat than a typical Italian dish, in the style of Indian cafes.
01
What it is made of
Pink sauce is a blend of a red tomato sauce and a white cream sauce. Indian cafes season it more boldly than the Italian originals, with extra chilli and herbs.
- Penne pasta
- Tomato
- Cream
- Garlic and onion
- Mixed vegetables
- Chilli flakes and oregano
- Butter
02
How the layers work together
Creamy, tangy and mildly spicy, with the sweetness of tomato and the richness of cream. The vegetables add colour and bite, and the chilli flakes give a gentle warmth.
03
Where it comes from
Pink sauce pasta is a cafe creation rather than a traditional Italian dish. Indian cafes made it a signature, adapting pasta to a taste for richer, stronger, spicier flavours, and it became very popular among younger diners.
04
Variations and other names
You may see these twists:
- White sauce pasta: made with a cream or béchamel sauce only.
- Red sauce pasta: tomato-based, without cream.
- Baked pasta: topped with cheese and baked.
- Masala pasta: seasoned with Indian spices.
05
How to eat it
Eat it hot with a fork, and add extra chilli flakes or cheese if you like. It is a good dish to share.
06
Aakhri Pasta (Pink Sauce Pasta) at Tapri Chai
Aakhri Pasta is $14.99 CAD on our menu. We make it in a 100% vegetarian kitchen at 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104, Barrhaven, Ottawa, open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm, closed Mondays.
Questions, answered.
What is Aakhri Pasta (Pink Sauce Pasta) made of?
Aakhri Pasta (Pink Sauce Pasta) is made of penne pasta, tomato, cream, garlic and onion, mixed vegetables, chilli flakes and oregano and butter.
How many layers does Aakhri Pasta (Pink Sauce Pasta) have?
Traditionally 5: the pasta, the tomato base, the cream, the vegetables and the seasoning.
Is Aakhri Pasta (Pink Sauce Pasta) vegetarian?
Yes. The traditional recipe is vegetarian, and every dish at Tapri Chai is vegetarian.
Is Aakhri Pasta (Pink Sauce Pasta) spicy?
It is medium. The chilli flakes provide a gentle heat.
Where can I try Aakhri Pasta (Pink Sauce Pasta) in Ottawa?
At Tapri Chai, 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104, Barrhaven, Ottawa. Aakhri Pasta is $14.99 CAD on our menu.
At Tapri Chai
Taste it for yourself.
Our kitchen in Barrhaven is 100% vegetarian. 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104, Ottawa. Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm. Closed Mondays.