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Tomato Pasta Sauce with Cream cheese

Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Cream Cheese in 15 Minutes

This Tomato Pasta Sauce with Cream Cheese is a quick, flavorful, and creamy option for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Sauces
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Pasta of your favorite shape—spaghetti or rigatoni works beautifully.
For the Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Butter or Olive Oil for richness; use salted butter if preferred.
  • 2-3 cloves Garlic minced; fresh is best but garlic powder can substitute.
  • ½ Onion diced brown or white; skip for a lighter sauce.
  • ¼ teaspoon Chili Flakes optional for heat; omit for milder dish.
  • ¾ cup Tomato Passata essential for smooth consistency.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil or 1 tablespoon fresh.
  • ½ cup Cream Cheese creates the creamy texture.
  • ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated, for nutty finish.
  • ¼ cup Reserved Pasta Water to adjust sauce consistency.
  • ¼ teaspoon Fine Salt to taste, adjust if using saltier cheese.
  • ⅛ teaspoon Black Pepper plus more for serving.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of pasta and cook until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics by melting 1 tablespoon of butter or heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add Sauce Ingredients by stirring ¾ cup of tomato passata and 1 teaspoon of dried basil into the skillet. Reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes.
  4. Combine Cream Cheese by adding ½ cup of cream cheese and ¼ cup of Parmesan to the skillet. Stir in the reserved ¼ cup of pasta water until smooth.
  5. Coat the Pasta by adding the al dente pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Use high-quality ingredients to enhance flavor. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.

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