Description
A rich and creamy tomato pasta sauce made with crushed tomatoes and smooth cream cheese for a luscious texture. This easy stovetop sauce is perfect for enhancing your favorite pasta dishes, combining classic Italian herbs with the subtle tang of cream cheese for a unique and comforting flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
- ½ cup milk or cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oil and sauté onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to brown it.
- Add tomatoes and seasonings: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then cook uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Melt in cream cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in the cubed cream cheese. Continue stirring until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Finish with milk and Parmesan: Add the milk or cream along with the grated Parmesan cheese if using, stirring to incorporate. Let the sauce simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the creamy tomato sauce over your favorite cooked pasta and garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- This sauce pairs well with penne, spaghetti, or rigatoni.
- For added protein, stir in cooked chicken, sausage, or ground beef.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
- Optionally garnish with fresh basil or extra Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor.
