Name: Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Garlic and Parmesan 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 tbsp of chopped fresh basil); 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

If you’re like me and love a pasta sauce that hugs every strand of your noodles with creamy, garlicky goodness, this Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe is going to become your new favorite. It’s comforting without being heavy, and the combination of cream cheese and parmesan gives it a richness that feels a bit indulgent but still fresh and vibrant. Honestly, it’s the kind of sauce that works well any night of the week, whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

What makes this Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe special is how easily it comes together with simple pantry ingredients, yet tastes like you’ve spent hours simmering a complex sauce. I first made this on a chilly evening when I wanted something quick but satisfying, and it quickly became a staple in my rotation. Trust me, once you make this, your pasta nights will never be the same—you’ll want to whip it up over and over!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a balanced sauce that’s creamy, tangy, and just a little savory—all enhanced by fresh garlic and parmesan. When shopping, I recommend using good quality tomato passata and fresh parmesan, as they really lift the sauce’s flavor.

Pasta: I like to use any kind you have on hand—long like spaghetti or short like penne both work great.
Butter or olive oil: Either adds richness, but butter gives that silky finish I adore.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic brings essential aroma and flavor—don’t skimp!
Onion (brown or white): Finely diced for sweetness and depth; cook until translucent but not browned.
Chili flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick—perfect if you like a little heat.
Tomato passata (tomato puree): The star tomato element, smooth and vibrant.
Dried or fresh basil: Basil brightens the sauce and adds a fresh herbaceous note.
Cream cheese: I swear by Philadelphia—it melts smoothly and gives the sauce luscious creaminess.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan is non-negotiable for that umami-rich finish.
Reserved pasta water: This helps loosen the sauce and helps it cling beautifully to the pasta.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning—adjust to taste!

Variations

I love tweaking this Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe based on what I have around or the mood I’m in. The beauty is in its flexibility—feel free to experiment and make it your own.

Spicy kick: Adding more chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce totally brightens it up—I like this when I want a little zip.
Herb swap: Sometimes I swap out basil for oregano or add fresh parsley on top for a slightly different herbaceous flair.
Dairy alternatives: If you want a lighter version, substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt added at the end off the heat to avoid curdling.
Vegetable boost: Adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach right before the sauce is done gives an earthy, wholesome touch.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Start by warming your butter or olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and diced onion, stirring often until they turn soft and fragrant—about 3 to 5 minutes. The key here is to get them translucent but not browned, which keeps the sauce bright and sweet instead of bitter.

Step 2: Add Tomato and Seasonings

Pour in the tomato passata and sprinkle the dried basil and chili flakes (if using). Stir everything together, and let it simmer gently for about 7-10 minutes. This slow simmer helps the flavors concentrate and the sauce thicken slightly. Keep the heat low enough so the sauce doesn’t scorch on the bottom.

Step 3: Blend in Cream Cheese and Parmesan

Turn the heat down to low and add the cream cheese in small dollops, stirring constantly to ensure a smooth, creamy texture. Once it’s melted in, sprinkle in the freshly grated parmesan and stir until the cheese melts fully and the sauce looks glossy and rich. If the sauce feels too thick, slowly stir in the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you get your desired consistency.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Now’s the time to add salt and pepper to taste. I usually start with ¼ teaspoon salt and an ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, then tweak from there. Taste as you go and don’t hesitate to adjust—it’s the secret to a perfectly balanced sauce every time.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe

A white plate with a thin brown rim holds a neat pile of spaghetti noodles coated in a smooth, creamy orange sauce with visible black pepper specks. The pasta is swirled into two main layers, with the top layer showing the sauce more thickly and topped with grated white cheese and small fresh green basil leaves scattered on and around the pasta. In the background, there are small white bowls holding red pepper flakes and more grated cheese, and a slice of rustic bread is blurred on the white marbled surface. A fork rests on a folded white cloth napkin beside the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my pasta with a few fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of extra parmesan right before serving. Sometimes a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a pinch of cracked black pepper just finishes the dish beautifully. It’s those little touches that elevate this simple sauce into something special.

Side Dishes

This sauce pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette or some garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. I also like to serve it alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini which add a nice color and texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this sauce tossed with fresh pasta stuffed with ricotta and spinach, then baked with a sprinkle of mozzarella on top. For family dinners, piling the pasta high with a garnish of vibrant microgreens or edible flowers gives it a restaurant-worthy look with minimal effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cool the sauce completely and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I make my pasta, I reserve the pasta water to help loosen it up again when reheating—it never loses its creamy magic that way.

Freezing

I have frozen this Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe successfully, though I recommend freezing before adding the parmesan for the best texture. When thawed, stir in the parmesan and reheat gently, stirring often to bring it back to life.

Reheating

Reheat the sauce slowly on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or reserved pasta water to keep that luscious creaminess intact. Microwave works too—just zap it in 30-second bursts, stirring in between to avoid curdling or drying out.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato passata?

You can, but you’ll need to cook them down more to get a similar smooth consistency and intensity of flavor. I usually blend cooked fresh tomatoes and strain them to mimic passata’s texture before adding to the sauce.
What type of cream cheese works best in this recipe?

I find full-fat cream cheese, like Philadelphia, melts best and gives that rich, silky texture. Low-fat versions can sometimes be grainy and don’t melt as smoothly.
Is this sauce suitable for gluten-free diets?

Absolutely! The sauce itself is gluten-free. Just be sure to pair it with gluten-free pasta to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How can I make this sauce vegan?

You can substitute the cream cheese with a cashew cream or coconut-based cream cheese alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will be a bit different but still delicious.
What pasta shapes work best with this creamy tomato sauce?

I love this sauce with both long pastas like spaghetti or linguine and shorter ones like penne or rigatoni. The sauce clings beautifully to any shape, so use what you have or prefer!

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen heart because it’s just so easy to make and endlessly comforting. It’s a perfect blend of creamy, savory, and tangy flavors that come together in minutes but feel like a loving homemade meal. I can’t wait for you to try it out—you’ll love how simple ingredients turn into something so satisfying. Next time you want a pasta sauce that’s both quick and special, this recipe has got your back!