If you are on the hunt for a comfort food that brings together luscious creaminess and vibrant tomato flavor, you have to try this Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Garlic and Basil Recipe. This sauce is a dreamy combination of tangy tomato passata, rich cream cheese, and fragrant basil, all simmered with aromatic garlic and a touch of chili for just the right hint of warmth. It clings beautifully to any pasta, turning a simple dinner into a celebration of flavors that feels both indulgent and refreshingly fresh.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Garlic and Basil Recipe starts with a handful of simple, accessible ingredients that each play a starring role. From the garlic that elevates the aroma to the cream cheese that delivers silky texture, these essentials come together to create a harmonious sauce that’s easy to prepare but impossible to forget.
- 8oz (225 grams) pasta: Choose any type you love—long spaghetti or short fusilli—because this sauce adheres wonderfully to all shapes.
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil: Provides the perfect base to sauté garlic and onion, giving depth to the sauce.
- 2 or 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the sauce with a bright, savory punch that wakes up your taste buds.
- ½ brown or white onion, finely diced: Adds sweetness and texture without overpowering the tomato.
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional): Just a hint to add warmth and a gentle kick to balance the creaminess.
- ¾ cup (200 ml) tomato passata: The heart of the sauce, bringing natural sweetness and acidity from ripe tomatoes.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil: Aromatic and herbaceous, this herb brightens the entire dish beautifully.
- ½ cup (120 grams) cream cheese: For that dreamy, creamy texture and subtle tang that makes the sauce so luscious.
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated: Adds a nutty, salty richness that rounds out the flavor profile.
- ¼ cup (60 ml) reserved pasta water: Helps thin and unify the sauce while helping it cling wonderfully to the pasta.
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt, or to taste: Balances and enhances all the other flavors in the sauce.
- â…› teaspoon black pepper, plus more to serve: Provides a subtle heat and depth without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Garlic and Basil Recipe
Step 1: Cook your pasta until al dente
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your pasta. Cooking it just right to al dente is key—perfectly tender but still with a little bite ensures it holds up beautifully once tossed with your creamy tomato sauce. Remember to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining; this starchy liquid is essential to creating the perfect sauce consistency.
Step 2: Sauté garlic, onion, and chili flakes
In a skillet set over medium heat, melt the butter or warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic, finely diced onion, and chili flakes, if using. Let them gently cook together for about 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the onion softens, building a flavorful base for the sauce that will make your kitchen smell irresistible.
Step 3: Simmer with tomato passata and basil
Pour in the luscious tomato passata and sprinkle in the dried or fresh basil. Let the sauce bubble gently over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen and the sauce to thicken slightly. This step is where your sauce starts developing that rich, balanced tomato flavor that is the foundation of this recipe.
Step 4: Stir in cream cheese, parmesan, and reserved pasta water
Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese and freshly grated parmesan. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt smoothly into the sauce. Slowly pour in the reserved pasta water to loosen the mixture and help it cling perfectly to the pasta later. Season with salt and black pepper to taste—the way you adjust it here brings the sauce to life.
Step 5: Combine pasta and sauce
Return your drained pasta to the skillet or toss gently in a large bowl with the creamy tomato sauce until every piece is luxuriously coated. This final step is what transforms simple pasta into something so comforting you’ll want to savor every bite immediately.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Garlic and Basil Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan adds an extra layer of indulgence, while a few torn basil leaves scattered on top bring a fresh, vibrant finish. For a touch of color and flavor, a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few chili flakes can elevate the dish even further. These little finishing touches make the dish feel special and inviting.
Side Dishes
This sauce pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil, which cuts through the richness with refreshing brightness. Garlic bread, toasted until golden and buttery, is another perfect companion, ideal for scooping up any leftover creamy sauce on your plate. Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers also complement the flavor and round out the meal nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
Take this creamy tomato pasta sauce to the next level by serving it over stuffed shells or baked ziti with an extra sprinkle of mozzarella and parmesan baked until golden and bubbly. You can also swirl it through a creamy risotto for an unexpected twist or use it as a base for a warm pasta salad with fresh cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls for a summery change. The versatility of this sauce is endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover sauce, simply let it cool to room temperature and transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick weeknight meals or lunch the next day. The flavors actually meld beautifully after a day, so leftover sauce can taste even better.
Freezing
This Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Garlic and Basil Recipe freezes well. Pour the cooled sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headroom for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat the sauce gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent curdling or sticking. If it feels too thick, add a splash of water or reserved pasta water to loosen it. Microwave reheating works too but heat in short bursts and stir often to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato passata?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh tomatoes, blanch, peel, and blend them into a puree for the sauce. Cook them down a bit longer to achieve the right thickness and sweetness that passata provides.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
For a similar creaminess, mascarpone or ricotta cheese works well. If you want a dairy-free option, try coconut cream, but keep in mind it will impart a slightly different flavor.
Is this sauce suitable for meal prep?
Yes! The sauce holds up well in the fridge and can be made ahead of time. Just store separately from the pasta to prevent sogginess and combine right before serving.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon bits make excellent additions that complement the creamy tomato sauce perfectly.
How spicy will the chili flakes make the sauce?
The ¼ teaspoon of chili flakes adds just a gentle warmth without overwhelming the other flavors. You can always skip them or adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Garlic and Basil Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough to impress guests, combining fresh, vibrant flavors with cozy creaminess in every bite. I absolutely encourage you to give this recipe a try and discover your new go-to pasta sauce that’s as genuine and comforting as a meal shared with close friends.
Print
Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Garlic and Basil 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 with cream cheese is a quick and delicious way to elevate your pasta dinner. Combining the rich flavors of tomato passata, garlic, onion, and creamy cheeses, this easy-to-make sauce is perfect for a comforting meal ready in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8oz (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 (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: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes depending on the pasta type. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water to use later in the sauce.
- Prepare sauce base: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter or warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic, diced onion, and chili flakes (if using), sautéing for about 2 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add tomato and basil: Pour in the tomato passata and sprinkle in the dried basil (or fresh basil if using). Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to deepen the flavors and reduce slightly.
- Incorporate cheeses and pasta water: Stir in the cream cheese and freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Add about ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and make it silky. Season with fine salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce, stirring well to ensure every strand or piece is coated evenly with the creamy tomato sauce.
- Serve immediately: Plate the pasta and garnish with additional parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper if desired. Serve hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water is key for loosening the sauce and helping it cling beautifully to the pasta.
- The chili flakes are optional but add a pleasant mild heat that complements the creamy tomato base.
- Using fresh basil will add a brighter note, but dried basil works well and infuses nicely during simmering.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences, especially if your parmesan cheese is salty.
- For a dairy-free example, substitute cream cheese and parmesan with vegan alternatives.
