Name: Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Cream Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
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 (aka tomato puree); 1 teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped; 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

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Introduction

This tomato pasta sauce with cream cheese is a creamy, comforting twist on a classic favorite. Easy to make and full of flavor, it combines the tang of tomato with the richness of cream cheese for a quick weeknight meal.

A round white plate holds a nest of thick spaghetti coated in creamy orange sauce, showing some black pepper flakes throughout. On top, there is a swirl of extra sauce, sprinkled with small white shreds of cheese and tiny green basil leaves. Around the plate, fresh basil leaves add green accents on the white marbled surface. In the background, there are soft-focus pieces of light bread, a small white bowl with red chili flakes, and another bowl with white grated cheese, next to a silver fork on a white napkin. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 (aka tomato puree)
1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil)
½ cup (120 grams) cream cheese (such as Philadelphia)
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

Step 1: Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, following package directions. A couple of minutes before draining, scoop out about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and set aside.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, diced onion, and chili flakes if using. Cook gently for about 2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Step 3: Stir in the tomato passata and dried basil. Lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Add the cream cheese, parmesan, and ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir until the sauce is well combined and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
Step 5: Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet. Toss quickly to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce, adding more reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Step 6: Turn off the heat and serve immediately with extra freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your creamy tomato pasta!

Tips & Variations

Use fresh basil instead of dried for a brighter flavor when available.
Add a splash of cream or milk if you prefer an even richer sauce.
Try red pepper flakes for extra heat if you like it spicy.
Replace cream cheese with ricotta for a lighter, fluffier texture.
Reserve extra pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency when tossing the pasta.

Storage

Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of pasta water or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. It’s best served fresh but can be kept refrigerated before tossing with freshly cooked pasta again.

How to Serve

A close-up of a plate showing a small mound of spaghetti coated in a creamy orange sauce, with the noodles glistening and twisted into loose spirals. The sauce has a smooth texture with small flecks of black pepper and herbs, covering every strand. On the top center, there are white shavings of cheese scattered along with tiny green basil pieces and red chili flakes, adding color contrast. The plate is white with a simple rim, set on a white marbled surface, with a fork blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cream cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cream cheese with ricotta for a lighter texture or mascarpone for an even creamier sauce. Keep in mind the flavor and consistency will vary slightly.

What kind of pasta works best for this sauce?

This sauce works well with both long pasta like spaghetti or linguine and short pasta such as penne or fusilli. Choose your favorite shape to coat well with the creamy sauce.