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Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Garlic and Basil Recipe

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4.6 from 141 reviews

This creamy tomato pasta sauce combines the tangy richness of tomato passata with smooth cream cheese and parmesan for a luscious, comforting dish. Enhanced with garlic, onion, basil, and a hint of chili flakes, this sauce perfectly coats your favorite pasta for a simple yet indulgent meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz (225 grams) pasta (long or short pasta will work)

Tomato Pasta Sauce with Cream Cheese

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup (60 ml) of the pasta water and then drain the pasta.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Add Chili Flakes and Tomato Passata: Stir in ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (if using) and pour in the ¾ cup tomato passata. Mix well and let the sauce simmer over low heat for about 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  4. Add Basil and Cream Cheese: Stir in 1 teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, then add ½ cup cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts smoothly into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
  5. Incorporate Parmesan and Pasta Water: Add the freshly grated ¼ cup parmesan cheese and the reserved ¼ cup pasta water to the sauce. Stir until the parmesan melts and the sauce reaches a silky consistency.
  6. Season the Sauce: Season the sauce with ¼ teaspoon fine salt and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, adjusting to taste. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to ensure each strand or piece of pasta is coated evenly with the creamy tomato sauce.
  8. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra black pepper or parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • Reserve some pasta water when draining to adjust sauce consistency and help the sauce cling to the pasta.
  • Use fresh basil if possible for a brighter flavor, but dried basil works well too.
  • Adjust chili flakes based on your spice preference or omit entirely for a milder sauce.
  • This sauce is great with any pasta shape—long noodles like spaghetti or short shapes like penne both work beautifully.
  • For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and Parmesan.
  • Make sure not to overcook the pasta to keep it al dente and provide a pleasant texture contrast with the creamy sauce.

Find it online: https://amandafood.com/creamy-tomato-pasta-sauce-with-garlic-and-basil-recipe/