If you’re craving a sauce that’s luxuriously creamy yet bursting with vibrant tomato flavor, this Tomato Pasta Sauce with Cream Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines the richness of cream cheese with the fresh tang of tomato passata, creating a velvety sauce that clings beautifully to any pasta. From the sharpness of parmesan to the subtle warmth of garlic and a hint of chili flakes, every bite is a comforting, flavorful hug that’s quick to prepare and sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. In the center, there are two small white bowls with dark rims; the top bowl has a smooth red sauce, while the bottom one holds a white creamy mixture. Around the bowls, there is a bundle of uncooked yellow spaghetti tied with a white and blue cloth on the left side, a whole light brown onion and a small garlic clove near the top, and a small white bowl filled with grated cheese at the bottom right. There is a small square piece of yellow butter on a tiny wooden plate to the right, and two metal measuring spoons above the spaghetti, one filled with dried herbs and the other with small red flakes. On the far right, there are white salt and pepper grinders. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients in this Tomato Pasta Sauce with Cream Cheese Recipe are straightforward but essential, each lending a special touch to the final dish. Together, they create a perfect balance of creaminess, acidity, and subtle spice, making the sauce unforgettable.

8 oz (225 grams) Pasta: Whether you prefer long strands or short shapes, choose your favorite pasta to carry the sauce beautifully.
1 tablespoon butter or olive oil: Adds a silky base to gently cook aromatics and enrich the sauce.
2 or 3 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic provides that warm, fragrant kick that’s essential for a mouthwatering sauce.
½ brown or white onion, finely diced: Onion lends subtle sweetness and depth to the tomato base.
¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional): A pinch to gently awaken your palate with a cozy, spicy touch.
¾ cup (200 ml) tomato passata (aka tomato puree): The star ingredient, delivering pure, fresh tomato flavor and vibrant color.
1 teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon fresh basil: Offers a fragrant herbal note that pairs perfectly with tomato.
½ cup (120 grams) cream cheese: Brings luxurious creaminess and subtle tanginess to the sauce.
¼ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated: Adds a salty, nutty intensity that rounds out the flavor.
¼ cup (60 ml) reserved pasta water: Helps emulsify the sauce and keeps it silky when tossed with pasta.
¼ teaspoon fine salt, or to taste: Enhances every ingredient’s natural flavors.
⅛ teaspoon black pepper, plus more to serve: Adds warming spice and a fresh peppery finish.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Tomato Pasta Sauce with Cream Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your pasta in plenty of salted water until it’s perfectly al dente. The secret here is to save some of the pasta cooking water before draining — this starchy liquid is magic for turning your sauce silky and smooth later.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

While the pasta cooks, melt butter or warm olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Toss in the minced garlic, finely diced onion, and chili flakes if you’re using them. Let them gently cook for about two minutes until the onion softens and the garlic releases its beautiful aroma, laying the flavorful foundation of your sauce.

Step 3: Add Tomato and Herbs

Pour in the tomato passata and sprinkle in the dried or fresh basil. Stir everything together, then lower the heat and let it cook for about five minutes. This simmering allows the tomato’s acidity to mellow and the basil to infuse its fragrant charm throughout the sauce, making every bite more complex.

Step 4: Incorporate Cream Cheese and Parmesan

Now, the magic moment: stir in the cream cheese and parmesan along with a quarter cup of your reserved pasta water. Watch how quickly the sauce emulsifies into a luxuriously creamy, glossy finish. Adjust salt and pepper to taste — this is where you make the sauce truly yours!

Step 5: Combine with Pasta

Drain your pasta and immediately add it to the skillet. Toss it lovingly with the sauce, adding more reserved pasta water as needed to keep everything perfectly coated. This step ensures every strand or piece of pasta is wrapped in creamy, tomatoey goodness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Turn off the heat and serve the pasta right away, garnished with freshly grated parmesan if you like. This Tomato Pasta Sauce with Cream Cheese Recipe shines best fresh and warm, ready to delight everyone at the table.

How to Serve Tomato Pasta Sauce with Cream Cheese Recipe

Two side-by-side images show a white pan with a black handle on a white marbled surface. The left image shows the pan filled with a smooth, pale orange sauce with small black specks. The right image shows the same pan with the sauce layer at the bottom and a pile of pale yellow cooked spaghetti on top in the center. The noodles are simple, long, and tangled loosely. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate this sauce even further, sprinkle a little extra parmesan or cracked black pepper on top. Fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of good quality olive oil can also add a lovely finishing touch that brightens the whole dish.

Side Dishes

This creamy tomato pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some garlicky roasted vegetables. Crusty bread is perfect too, especially for mopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this pasta in individual bowls or even stuffed inside hollowed-out roasted bell peppers for a fun twist. For a cozy gathering, pair it with a glass of chilled white wine and candlelight to make mealtime truly special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Tomato Pasta Sauce with Cream Cheese Recipe keeps nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce may thicken when chilled, but a splash of pasta water or milk will bring back the creamy texture when reheated.

Freezing

You can freeze the sauce, but keep in mind cream cheese-based sauces may separate slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze it before adding the cream cheese and parmesan, then stir them in fresh after reheating.

Reheating

Warm the sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Add reserved pasta water or a bit of cream to loosen it if needed. Toss fresh pasta in once the sauce is warm and silky again, and you’ve got a quick weeknight meal waiting.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of passata?

Yes, you can. Just simmer peeled, chopped fresh tomatoes until they break down into a sauce-like consistency. It might take a little longer, but the fresh, bright flavor is fantastic!

Is there a substitute for cream cheese?

If you want a lighter version, try ricotta or mascarpone which also melt into a creamy sauce. For a non-dairy option, some vegan cream cheese alternatives work well, too.

What type of pasta works best with this sauce?

This sauce is versatile! Long pastas like spaghetti or linguine work beautifully, but short shapes like penne or fusilli are great too as they hold onto the sauce in all their nooks and crannies.

Can I make this sauce spicy?

Absolutely! Increase the chili flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat. Fresh chopped chili or a splash of hot sauce can also add a fiery kick if you love spice.

How do I prevent the sauce from splitting?

Make sure to stir cream cheese in over low heat and add reserved pasta water to help emulsify it properly. Avoid boiling the sauce after adding cream cheese to keep it silky and smooth.

Final Thoughts

This Tomato Pasta Sauce with Cream Cheese Recipe is a total game changer — quick enough for a weeknight dinner but rich and comforting enough to satisfy any craving. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy simple ingredients transformed into something truly delicious. So grab your skillet, some pasta, and dive in; your new favorite sauce awaits!

Tomato Pasta Sauce with Cream Cheese Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need