If you’re craving a pasta sauce that’s velvety, tangy, and bursting with rich flavor, you absolutely have to try this Tomato Pasta Sauce with Cream Cheese. It’s a luscious twist on classic tomato sauce, where creamy cream cheese brings a silky texture and a subtle tang that perfectly balances the sweetness of fresh tomato passata. Whether you’re whipping this up for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends with something special, this sauce creates a deliciously comforting dish that feels both elegant and cozy.

Tomato Pasta Sauce with Cream Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep things simple yet flavorful with this recipe. Each ingredient plays a key role, from building the sauce’s depth to creating that irresistible creaminess. With basic pantry staples and a touch of fresh nuance, you’ll see just how easy it is to pull together a crowd-pleasing meal.

8 oz (225 grams) Pasta: Choose long like spaghetti or short like penne—the sauce clings beautifully to every shape.
1 tablespoon butter or olive oil: For a fragrant base that gently sautés your aromatics to perfection.
2 or 3 garlic cloves, minced: Adds a savory punch that wakes up the sauce with every bite.
½ brown or white onion, finely diced: Sweetness and texture that melt seamlessly into the sauce.
¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional): Just the right hint of warmth without overpowering the dish.
¾ cup (200 ml) tomato passata: Pureed tomatoes bring vibrant color and that classic tomatoey tang.
1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped): A fragrant herbaceous note that brightens the sauce beautifully.
½ cup (120 grams) cream cheese (Philadelphia works great): The secret ingredient that adds creaminess and a subtle tang to the sauce.
¼ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated: Rich umami and a nutty depth that elevates every forkful.
¼ cup (60 ml) reserved pasta water: Helps loosen the sauce and bind it perfectly to the pasta.
¼ teaspoon fine salt, or to taste: Enhances all the flavor layers in the sauce.
⅛ teaspoon black pepper, plus more to serve: Adds a mild peppery kick to round out the dish.

How to Make Tomato Pasta Sauce with Cream Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by boiling your pasta in a large pot of salted water until it’s perfectly al dente, following the package instructions. Just before draining, scoop out about a cup of the starchy pasta water—this little trick will come in handy to adjust your sauce’s consistency later.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

While the pasta cooks, melt butter or warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, finely diced onion, and chili flakes if you’re adding a touch of heat. Cook gently for about two minutes, allowing these ingredients to soften and release their gorgeous fragrant flavors that serve as the flavor backbone of this sauce.

Step 3: Simmer Tomato Passata and Basil

Pour in the tomato passata and sprinkle in the dried or fresh basil. Stir everything together, then lower the heat and let it gently simmer for about five minutes. This step helps the tomato sauce thicken slightly and gives time for the herbs to infuse their wonderful aroma and taste.

Step 4: Incorporate Cream Cheese and Parmesan

Now, the magic happens: add the cream cheese, parmesan cheese, and a quarter cup of that reserved pasta water. Stir vigorously, and in seconds the ingredients emulsify into a luscious, creamy sauce that clings lovingly to every surface. Taste it and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to your preference.

Step 5: Toss Pasta into the Sauce

Drain your pasta and add it directly to the skillet with your beautifully creamy tomato sauce. Toss everything together for about ten seconds, ensuring every strand or piece is beautifully coated. This step allows the sauce to soak into the pasta just right.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Turn the heat off and plate your pasta right away. For an extra touch of cheesy goodness, sprinkle more freshly grated parmesan over the top. This Tomato Pasta Sauce with Cream Cheese shines best when served hot and fresh, making every bite pure comfort.

How to Serve Tomato Pasta Sauce with Cream Cheese

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a burst of color and herbaceous fragrance that perfectly complement the creamy tomato goodness. A final grind of black pepper or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can brighten the dish and elevate the presentation.

Side Dishes

This sauce pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a simple garlic bread that’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers also bring a lovely balance of freshness and texture alongside the creamy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this sauce over spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter take, or layer it in a baked pasta casserole topped with extra mozzarella cheese for a bubbling, indulgent meal that’s perfect to share. Drizzle some balsamic glaze on top as a unique flavor pop when entertaining guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Tomato Pasta Sauce with Cream Cheese keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container, and the flavors will deepen as it sits, making for a delicious next-day meal.

Freezing

You can freeze the sauce separately in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water or milk to revive that creamy texture. Stir often to prevent the sauce from separating and to bring back its luscious consistency.

FAQs

Can I use cream cheese alternatives in this sauce?

Absolutely! Neufchâtel cheese or a mild goat cheese can work nicely, though cream cheese’s smooth texture and tang are what make this sauce so special. Just keep in mind that different cheeses have different melting properties.

Is Tomato Pasta Sauce with Cream Cheese suitable for vegan diets?

This particular recipe uses dairy ingredients like cream cheese and parmesan, which are not vegan. However, you could experiment with vegan cream cheese and nutritional yeast to create a similar creamy, cheesy effect.

Can I make this sauce spicier?

Yes! Feel free to increase the chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce while cooking the aromatics for a bolder kick that complements the creamy tomato base exceptionally well.

What pasta types work best with this sauce?

This sauce shines with both long noodles like spaghetti or fettuccine and short shapes like penne or rigatoni. The creamy texture clings nicely to any shape you choose.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy pancetta are fantastic proteins to add. Simply cook them separately and toss with the pasta and sauce right before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Tomato Pasta Sauce with Cream Cheese is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, rich, and incredibly satisfying. It’s wonderfully simple to make but impressively delicious, perfect for any occasion where you want a little extra love in your meal. I hope you give this creamy, dreamy sauce a try soon; it might just become your new weeknight favorite!

Tomato Pasta Sauce with Cream Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 18 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This creamy tomato pasta sauce combines the rich tang of tomato passata with smooth cream cheese and a touch of parmesan for a luscious, comforting pasta dish. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet light.

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. About 1-2 minutes before draining, scoop out approximately 1 cup of pasta cooking water and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic, diced onion, and chili flakes if using, cooking gently for about 2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Simmer Tomato Base: Pour in the tomato passata and stir in dried or fresh basil. Lower heat and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to develop flavor.
Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Stir in cream cheese, parmesan cheese, and start with ¼ cup reserved pasta water. Mix until the sauce is well emulsified and creamy. Adjust seasoning by adding salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Toss Pasta in Sauce: Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss quickly to coat the pasta evenly, adding more reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. This should take about 10 seconds.
Serve: Turn off the heat and plate the pasta immediately. Optionally, sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese and serve hot. Enjoy your creamy tomato pasta!

Notes

For a spicier kick, increase the chili flakes or add a dash of red pepper powder.
You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta for a slightly different texture and flavor.
Fresh basil can be used instead of dried for a brighter, herbaceous note.
Reserve pasta water carefully as its starchiness helps emulsify and thicken the sauce.
This sauce pairs well with any pasta shape, from spaghetti to penne.
To make vegan, replace butter with olive oil, use vegan cream cheese and parmesan alternatives.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main course
Method: Stovetop sauté and simmer
Cuisine: Italian-inspired