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
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 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