If you’re craving a pasta sauce that’s indulgently rich yet wonderfully fresh, this Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Cream Cheese Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. It brilliantly balances the tangy vibrancy of tomato passata with the luscious smoothness of cream cheese, creating a sauce that’s velvety and comforting without being heavy. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends, this sauce transforms simple pasta into a gourmet experience that feels both familiar and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of straightforward ingredients is all it takes to create this delicious sauce. Each element plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture, making the dish vibrant, creamy, and satisfying from start to finish.
- 8oz (225 grams) Pasta: Choose your favorite long or short pasta; it will soak up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil: Adds richness and a subtle depth to the sautéed garlic and onions.
- 2 or 3 garlic cloves, minced: Provides a fragrant punch that complements the tomato’s sweetness.
- ½ brown or white onion, finely diced: Builds a savory base bringing gentle sweetness and texture.
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle heat to brighten the sauce.
- ¾ cup (200 ml) tomato passata (tomato puree): Offers fresh, intense tomato flavor and vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tbsp fresh chopped basil): Infuses the sauce with fragrant, herbal notes.
- ½ cup (120 grams) cream cheese: The star ingredient for creamy silkiness and tangy richness.
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated: Adds salty, umami depth and a touch of sharpness.
- ¼ cup (60 ml) reserved pasta water: Helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency and binds everything together.
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt, or to taste: Enhances all the flavors in the sauce.
- â…› teaspoon black pepper, plus more to serve: Adds a subtle warming spice that rounds out the dish.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Cream Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your pasta and cook it until just al dente—where it’s tender but still has a slight bite. Before draining, reserve about one cup of the pasta cooking water, which will later help create that silky sauce we’re aiming for.
Step 2: Sauté aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt your butter or warm the olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic, finely diced onion, and if you love a hint of spice, the chili flakes. Let them sauté gently for about two minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the onion is softened, layering a savory sweetness that forms the foundation of the sauce.
Step 3: Add tomato passata and basil
Pour in the tomato passata, stirring to combine with the sautéed aromatics. Sprinkle in the dried or fresh basil and let this mixture simmer for 5 minutes. This simmering deepens the natural tomato flavor while allowing the herbs and aromatics to mingle beautifully.
Step 4: Stir in cream cheese, parmesan, and pasta water
Now for the magic moment: add the cream cheese and freshly grated parmesan. Stir until the cheeses melt smoothly into the sauce. To loosen and perfect the sauce’s consistency, gradually add the reserved pasta water while stirring. Taste and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your liking.
Step 5: Combine pasta with the creamy tomato sauce
Return the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until each strand or bite is thoroughly coated in the velvety sauce. The cream cheese helps the sauce cling wonderfully to the pasta, creating a luscious, unified dish ready to serve immediately.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Cream Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and add another layer of flavor, sprinkle extra freshly grated parmesan and a crack of black pepper over the top just before serving. A few fresh basil leaves scattered on the plate not only look beautiful but freshen each bite with herbal brightness.
Side Dishes
This sauce pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette also complements perfectly, ideal for scooping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve your pasta in individual shallow bowls topped with a small dollop of cream cheese and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. You might also add a handful of toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of chili flakes if you like a little texture or heat contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Cream Cheese Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce may thicken upon chilling, but simply stir in a splash of water or reserved pasta water when reheating to restore its smooth texture.
Freezing
This sauce freezes fairly well, though cream cheese-based sauces can sometimes separate slightly after thawing. Freeze it in a sealed container for up to one month, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir when reheated to recombine the ingredients.
Reheating
Gently reheat your sauce over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently. If it’s too thick, add a little reserved pasta water or milk to loosen it. Avoid high heat to prevent the cream cheese from breaking down or curdling, so you keep it silky smooth.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this sauce?
Absolutely! While cream cheese and parmesan balance perfectly here, you can experiment with mascarpone for extra creaminess or Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier kick.
Is this sauce suitable for a vegan diet?
This version includes cream cheese and parmesan, which are dairy products. However, you can make a vegan-friendly version by using plant-based cream cheese and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan to mimic the flavors and texture.
Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Yes! Finely diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be sautéed with the onions for extra flavor and nutrition. Just be mindful of the cooking time so the vegetables don’t become mushy.
What pasta types work best with this sauce?
This creamy sauce clings beautifully to both long noodles like spaghetti or fettuccine and shorter options such as penne or fusilli. Pick your favorite for that perfect bite.
How spicy is the sauce if I include chili flakes?
The ¼ teaspoon of chili flakes adds just a gentle warmth without overpowering the sauce. You can adjust this amount or omit them entirely depending on your heat preference.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Cream Cheese Recipe is one of those delightful dishes that feels like a warm hug plated up. It’s easy, quick, and packed with flavor, making it a fantastic go-to for busy nights or when you need a little comfort food lift. I truly hope you give it a try and enjoy every creamy, tangy bite as much as I do.
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Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Cream Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy tomato pasta sauce combines the tangy richness of tomato passata with smooth cream cheese and parmesan for a quick, comforting meal. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet is simple to prepare. The sauce is enhanced with garlic, onion, and a hint of chili flakes for subtle heat and aroma, making it a delicious twist on classic tomato pasta.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8oz (225 grams) pasta (long or short pasta will work)
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 2 or 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ brown or white onion, finely diced
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- ¾ cup (200 ml) tomato passata (aka tomato puree)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil)
- ½ cup (120 grams) cream cheese (Philadelphia recommended)
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- ¼ cup (60 ml) reserved pasta water
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt, or to taste
- â…› teaspoon black pepper, plus more to serve
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup (240 ml) of the pasta cooking water for the sauce.
- Prepare sauce base: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter or warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic, finely diced onion, and chili flakes if using. Sauté for approximately 2 minutes until fragrant and the onion starts to soften.
- Add tomato passata and herbs: Pour in the tomato passata and sprinkle in the dried or fresh basil. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce slightly thickens.
- Incorporate cheeses and pasta water: Stir in the cream cheese and grated parmesan, mixing until the cheeses melt smoothly into the sauce. Add the reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Toss pasta and serve: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat the noodles evenly with the creamy tomato sauce. Serve immediately topped with extra parmesan cheese and additional black pepper if desired.
Notes
- Use either butter or olive oil depending on preference; butter adds a richer flavor while olive oil keeps it lighter.
- Adjust chili flakes according to desired spice level or omit for a milder sauce.
- Using fresh basil will give a brighter herbal note, whereas dried basil gives a deeper flavor.
- Reserve pasta water is important for adjusting sauce consistency and helping it cling to noodles.
- This sauce is best enjoyed fresh for optimal creaminess and texture.
- Can be made vegetarian by ensuring the parmesan used is free from animal rennet.
