Description
A rich and velvety pasta sauce combining tangy tomatoes with smooth cream cheese for restaurant-quality flavor at home. Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- 1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
- 2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- 3. Pour in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- 4. Season with salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and sugar. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
- 5. Reduce heat to low and add softened cream cheese in small chunks. Stir continuously until fully melted and incorporated.
- 6. Tear in fresh basil leaves and sprinkle Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
- 7. Toss with your favorite cooked pasta and serve immediately.
Notes
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freezes well for up to 3 months. Add reserved pasta water when reheating to restore consistency. Pairs beautifully with penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g