Name: Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Garlic and Basil Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz (225 grams) pasta (long or short pasta will work); 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 tablespoon 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; ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, plus more to serve

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re craving a sauce that feels like a warm hug in pasta form, this Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Garlic and Basil Recipe is an absolute winner. It strikes that perfect balance between rich creaminess and bright tomato tang, with garlic and basil lending a fresh, aromatic touch that elevates every bite. I’ve made this sauce countless times when I want something quick yet comforting, and honestly, it never disappoints.

What makes this Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Garlic and Basil Recipe truly special is how versatile it is — it works for a casual weeknight dinner but also impresses when you have friends over. Plus, it takes just a handful of simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, and it comes together faster than you’d expect. Once you try it, I think you’ll agree it’s worth having in your go-to dinner rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this sauce lies in its straightforward ingredients that complement each other perfectly. When you pick your produce and dairy thoughtfully—like using a good quality cream cheese—it really makes a noticeable difference in the final dish.

Pasta: Any kind works—long noodles like spaghetti or short shapes like penne—depending on what you have on hand or what you’re in the mood for.
Butter or olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and is the perfect base to sauté your aromatics.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic delivers a punchy flavor that really wakes up the sauce.
Onion: Finely diced brown or white onion adds sweetness and depth without overwhelming the sauce.
Chili flakes (optional): For a little heat that complements the sauce’s creaminess without overpowering it.
Tomato passata (tomato puree): Smooth and rich, passata is a great way to get that fresh tomato flavor without the seeds or chunks.
Dried or fresh basil: Basil’s herbal notes bring freshness and balance to the garlic and tomato.
Cream cheese: This is the secret to making the sauce silky and luxuriously creamy without needing heavy cream.
Parmesan cheese: Grated fresh adds a salty, nutty finish that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Reserved pasta water: The starchy water helps marry the sauce to the pasta perfectly, making it cling beautifully.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring the whole dish together.

Variations

I love tweaking this Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Garlic and Basil Recipe depending on the occasion or what I have in the pantry. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Spicy kick: Adding more chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce really wakes up the sauce and balances the creaminess. I sometimes do this when I’m in the mood for bold flavors.
Fresh over dried basil: Using fresh basil feels like a little luxury—I toss it in at the end so it stays bright and fragrant.
Vegan swap: Try using vegan cream cheese and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a dairy-free version that still feels indulgent.
Add veggies: I occasionally sneak in sautéed mushrooms or spinach, which bulk up the dish and add texture without overpowering the sauce’s charm.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Garlic and Basil Recipe

Step 1: Sauté your aromatics until fragrant

Start by heating butter or olive oil over medium heat in a skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and finely diced onion, stirring frequently so nothing burns. You want to cook them until the onions are soft and translucent and the garlic smells heavenly—usually about 3-5 minutes. This step builds your sauce’s flavor foundation, so don’t rush or skip it!

Step 2: Build the tomato base with passata and seasoning

Add the tomato passata along with dried basil and chili flakes (if using). Stir to combine, then simmer gently for about 8-10 minutes to let the sauce thicken slightly and for all those flavors to marry. This slow simmer is key—you’ll notice the bright tomato aroma deepen, which means you’re on the right track.

Step 3: Stir in cream cheese and Parmesan to create creaminess

Turn your heat to low, then add the cream cheese and freshly grated Parmesan. Stir constantly until the cheeses melt fully into the sauce, creating that silky, creamy texture we’re aiming for. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water little by little to loosen it and help it cling perfectly to your pasta.

Step 4: Combine with cooked pasta and season

Drain your pasta but don’t toss out that pasta water—it’s liquid gold for your sauce! Toss your pasta directly into the sauce, adding some reserved pasta water as needed to get a silky consistency that coats every bite. Finish with salt and pepper to taste, stirring gently to combine.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Garlic and Basil Recipe

A white plate holds a round mound of spaghetti, coated in a smooth, creamy pale orange sauce with a slightly glossy texture. The noodles are tightly twirled in a nest shape, with small specks of black pepper and red chili flakes scattered throughout. On top, there is a light sprinkle of shredded white cheese and small fresh green basil leaves, adding texture and color contrast. The setting includes a white marbled textured surface with scattered green basil leaves, blurred chunks of bread, and small bowls with white and red seasonings in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this pasta with a generous sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves. Sometimes a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a scatter of toasted pine nuts creates an unexpected but delightful crunch. Those little touches make the dish feel extra special—even on a casual night.

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually keep it simple with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette, or some crusty garlic bread to mop up every last bit of that luscious sauce. Roasted vegetables also work beautifully if you want to add color and nutrition without competing with the sauce’s flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I sometimes spoon this sauce over pasta nests arranged on plates, garnishing each with microgreens and a tiny basil leaf. It instantly looks elegant but is so easy to do. Or serve it family-style in a beautiful bowl with lots of parmesan on the side—comfort food made the warmest way!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it chills, so when you’re ready to eat, just loosen it with a splash of water or milk while reheating. It reheats beautifully without losing that creamy texture.

Freezing

This sauce freezes well in portions—just pop it in freezer-safe containers or bags. When you thaw it, some separation might happen, but a good stir and gentle reheating bring it right back to creamy perfection. It’s a lifesaver for busy days when you want a quick homemade dinner.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer warming the sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring regularly. This method preserves the sauce’s silky texture much better than the microwave, which can sometimes make cream cheese sauces a bit grainy if overheated.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato passata in this recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh tomatoes can be used, but you’ll want to peel and deseed them first for the best texture. Then blend or crush them into a smooth sauce and cook a bit longer to reduce excess water. Using passata is just a convenient shortcut to get that smooth tomato flavor without extra prep.
What can I substitute for cream cheese if I don’t have any?

You could use heavy cream or mascarpone as a substitute to keep the sauce creamy. Ricotta can work too, but it might give a slightly grainier texture. Just adjust the quantity to taste and add gradually until you get that perfect creamy consistency.
Will this sauce work with gluten-free pasta?

Yes! This Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Garlic and Basil Recipe pairs wonderfully with gluten-free pasta options like brown rice, quinoa, or chickpea pasta. Just cook the pasta according to package instructions and reserve some cooking water to adjust the sauce as usual.
How can I make this recipe vegan?

Swap out the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan in place of traditional Parmesan cheese. Also, use olive oil instead of butter to keep it fully vegan. The sauce remains rich and flavorful with these swaps!
Is this sauce suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This sauce is perfect for meal prepping because it stores well in the fridge and freezes nicely. You can prepare a batch on the weekend and enjoy it quickly throughout the week by just reheating and pairing with freshly cooked pasta.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Garlic and Basil Recipe is one of those dishes I never get tired of making because it’s so reliably delicious and comforting. It feels fancy but really is simple, making it perfect whether you’re feeding yourself or a whole crowd. I hope you give it a try and find as much joy in making and eating it as I do—it’s like a little delicious hug in a bowl!