Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Garlic and Basil Recipe
I’m seriously excited to share this Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Garlic and Basil Recipe with you because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. There’s something about the combination of rich cream cheese swirling into tomato sauce, with garlic and basil bringing in those bold flavors that makes it completely irresistible. It’s simple, but oh so comforting, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or when you want to impress friends without stressing in the kitchen.
What I love most is how versatile this Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Garlic and Basil Recipe really is. Whether you’re tossing it with spaghetti, farfalle, or even penne, it clings beautifully to every noodle. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes, which means you can have a delicious homemade meal even on your busiest days. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it your go-to tomato sauce from now on.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Garlic and Basil Recipe plays a key role in building those rich, balanced flavors we all crave. A few little shopping tips—look for good-quality tomato passata for the best sauce base, and if you can get fresh basil, it’ll brighten the taste even more.
- Pasta: I usually go for whatever’s in the pantry—long like spaghetti or short like penne both work perfectly.
- Butter or Olive Oil: Helps start the sauce with a lovely richness; olive oil adds a bit of fruitiness.
- Garlic Cloves: Minced fresh garlic gives that punchy flavor, which is essential for this sauce.
- Onion: Finely diced, adding a subtle sweetness that balances the tomato’s acidity.
- Chili Flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat if you like a little kick; I tend to skip them for family dinners.
- Tomato Passata: Smooth tomato puree is the perfect base for this sauce, bringing fresh tomato flavor without chunks.
- Dried or Fresh Basil: I always use fresh if I can get it—they give the sauce that unmistakable herb lift.
- Cream Cheese: This is the magic ingredient that makes the sauce creamy and dreamy—Philadelphia brand works great.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds savory depth and helps thicken the sauce slightly.
- Reserved Pasta Water: The starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta perfectly.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To season—don’t be shy here, proper seasoning makes all the difference!
Variations
I’m all about making this recipe your own, so don’t hesitate to tweak it based on what you have or your taste preferences. Here are a few of my favorite ways to personalize the Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Garlic and Basil Recipe.
- Add Proteins: I like tossing in pan-seared chicken or sautéed shrimp to bulk it up for a heartier meal.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap cream cheese with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a dairy-free alternative.
- Extra Veggies: Sometimes I throw in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a veggie boost that’s still quick to prepare.
- Fresh Herbs Twist: If you have fresh oregano or thyme around, try adding them alongside the basil for a layered herb flavor.
- Mild Spice: For a spicy twist, I add a pinch more chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce just before serving.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Garlic and Basil Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by warming your butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and diced onion. Keep them moving so they don’t brown too quickly—you’re aiming for a soft, fragrant base after about 3-4 minutes. This step is where your kitchen will start smelling like a dream, and it’s crucial for building that depth of flavor in the sauce.
Step 2: Build the Tomato Base
Now pour in your tomato passata and sprinkle in the dried basil (or fresh if you’re lucky enough to have some). Give everything a good stir, and if you’re feeling adventurous, add those chili flakes here. Let this simmer gently for about 8-10 minutes to thicken slightly and let the flavors meld beautifully. Patience pays off here—resist the urge to rush this step!
Step 3: Make It Creamy and Perfect
Turn the heat down to low and add the cream cheese in dollops, stirring constantly. You’ll see the sauce turn silky and smooth as the cream cheese melts in—this is the magic moment. Next, sprinkle in the parmesan and pour in about ¼ cup of your reserved pasta water. That starchy water is gold for helping the sauce cling to your pasta—stir until everything is combined and glossy.
Step 4: Finish and Season
Taste your sauce and add salt and pepper to your liking. If it feels a bit thick, just add more reserved pasta water little by little until you hit that perfect creamy consistency. Then, toss it with your cooked pasta right in the pan to let the noodles soak up all those luscious flavors. Serve immediately for the best experience!
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Garlic and Basil Recipe
Garnishes
I love to finish this dish with a sprinkle of extra parmesan and some fresh basil leaves on top—it adds freshness and a pop of color that makes it look as good as it tastes. A crack of extra black pepper and a drizzle of good olive oil are also simple touches that bring the whole plate together beautifully.
Side Dishes
For sides, I usually keep it simple with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon or balsamic vinegar. Garlic bread is a no-brainer—the perfect way to mop up every last bit of that saucy goodness. Roasted veggies like asparagus or zucchini work wonders too if you want to sneak in some extra nutrients.
Creative Ways to Present
One time, I served this sauce over pasta nests—twisting the noodles into little bundles on the plate—and topped each with a basil leaf and Parmesan crisp for a fancy touch at a dinner party. It was such a hit and made the dish feel extra special without any extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Before storing, just let it cool down completely to keep it fresh and avoid condensation inside the container. When you reheat, add a splash of water or reserved pasta water to loosen it back up—the sauce can thicken as it cools.
Freezing
This Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Garlic and Basil Recipe freezes well too—I usually portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove to prevent the cream cheese from separating.
Reheating
When reheating, I always use low heat and stir frequently, adding a little water or broth if needed to bring back that silky texture. Avoid the microwave if you can; gentle warming on the stovetop really helps maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato passata in the Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Garlic and Basil Recipe?
Yes, you can! However, fresh tomatoes need to be peeled, seared, and cooked down to achieve the right texture and intensity that passata naturally offers. Using fresh tomatoes will add a fresher flavor but may require longer simmering to thicken properly.
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What type of cream cheese works best in the sauce?
I recommend using full-fat cream cheese, like Philadelphia, for that rich and silky texture. Low-fat or flavored cream cheeses can alter the consistency and taste, so sticking to plain full-fat cream cheese gives you the best creamy tomato sauce experience.
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Can I make this Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Garlic and Basil Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the cream cheese for a plant-based cream cheese alternative and use nutritional yeast in place of parmesan. Also, choose olive oil instead of butter to keep it fully vegan while maintaining that creamy texture.
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How do I prevent the cream cheese from curdling when cooking the sauce?
To avoid curdling, make sure you add the cream cheese off the heat or on low heat and stir it gently until melted. Avoid boiling after adding cream cheese, as high heat can cause it to separate.
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Is it okay to use dried basil instead of fresh?
Yes, dried basil works perfectly in this recipe, especially if fresh isn’t available. Use about one teaspoon of dried basil, but if you do have fresh basil, it adds a brighter, fresher flavor that’s really lovely as a garnish too.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Garlic and Basil Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen arsenal because it’s just so reliably delicious and quick to pull together. I hope when you try it, it brings that same comforting feeling to your table as it has to mine. Seriously, once you make it, it’ll become that effortless sauce you reach for any time you want pasta that’s creamy, flavorful, and just downright satisfying. Give it a go—you’ll thank yourself later!
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Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Garlic and Basil Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A creamy and flavorful tomato pasta sauce enhanced with cream cheese, garlic, and parmesan, perfect for pairing with any type of pasta. This quick and easy sauce blends the richness of cream cheese with the tangy goodness of tomato passata, finished with aromatic basil and a hint of chili flakes for a subtle kick.
Ingredients
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 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
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, plus more to serve
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup (60 ml) of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the butter or olive oil. Once melted and hot, add the minced garlic and finely diced onion. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add Tomato Passata and Basil: Stir in the tomato passata and dried or fresh basil. Add the optional chili flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese to the sauce. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and blends smoothly into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
- Finish the Sauce: Add the freshly grated parmesan cheese, reserved pasta water, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and adjust seasoning according to taste. Heat the sauce gently until warmed through.
- Toss Pasta and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat evenly in the creamy tomato sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with extra black pepper or parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to help loosen the sauce and enhance its creaminess.
- Use fresh basil if possible for a brighter, fresher flavor.
- The cream cheese adds a rich texture; swapping with mascarpone or ricotta can create a different creamy profile.
- Adjust chili flakes based on your heat preference or omit if you prefer a milder sauce.
- Parmesan cheese should be freshly grated for the best flavor and meltability.
Keywords: tomato pasta sauce, cream cheese sauce, easy pasta sauce, Italian pasta sauce, creamy tomato sauce
