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Tomato Cream Cheese Pasta Sauce Recipe

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This creamy tomato pasta sauce combines rich cream cheese with savory tomato passata and Parmesan for a luscious, velvety sauce that perfectly coats your favorite pasta. Easy to prepare in under 20 minutes, this comforting dish balances the tang of tomatoes with smooth dairy flavors, enhanced by garlic, onion, and a hint of chili flakes for subtle warmth. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet effortless.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 8 oz (225 grams) pasta (long or short pasta will work)

Sauce

  • 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 fresh chopped basil)
  • ½ cup (120 grams) cream cheese (Philadelphia recommended)
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) reserved pasta cooking water
  • ¼ teaspoon fine salt, or to taste
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, plus more to serve

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. About two minutes before draining, ladle out approximately 1 cup of pasta cooking water and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, finely diced onion, and chili flakes if using. Cook gently for about 2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
  3. Simmer Tomato Sauce: Stir in the tomato passata and dried basil. Lower the heat and let the sauce cook gently for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
  4. Add Creamy Cheeses: Mix in the cream cheese and freshly grated Parmesan along with ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir vigorously until the sauce is well combined and emulsified, which should take just seconds. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as desired.
  5. Toss Pasta in Sauce: Drain the cooked pasta thoroughly. Add it to the skillet with the sauce and toss quickly to coat evenly, about 10 seconds. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
  6. Serve Immediately: Turn off the heat and serve the pasta hot. Optionally sprinkle additional freshly grated Parmesan over the top before serving. Enjoy your creamy tomato pasta sauce!

Notes

  • Reserving pasta water is key for adjusting sauce consistency and helping it cling to the pasta.
  • Use fresh basil if available for a brighter herbal note.
  • For a spicier kick, increase chili flakes or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • Butter or olive oil can be used interchangeably depending on flavor preference.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its creamiest texture.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/tomato-cream-cheese-pasta-sauce-recipe/