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    Home » Dinner » Creamy Tomato Sauce For Pasta

    Published: Sep 18, 2019 · Modified: May 19, 2025 by Zerrin & Yusuf

    Creamy Tomato Sauce For Pasta

    Jump to Recipe

    Get ready for a delicious Tomato Cream Sauce recipe that will transform your pasta dishes! This easy-to-make sauce combines tangy tomatoes and smooth cream for an unforgettable taste. Perfect for any pasta, but it can be used in several other ways too!

    Tomato cream sauce in a skillet and a wooden spoon in it.

    This creamy tomato sauce is incredibly easy to make using a can of chopped tomatoes. Once you try it, you'll never want to go back to store-bought sauces. The homemade version of creamy marinara sauce is much tastier, with fresh and vibrant flavors that elevate your pasta dishes to a whole new level of deliciousness. 

    If your family loves pasta dishes, serve it as a creamy spaghetti sauce and watch how everyone is enjoying their food. Perfect for busy weeknights!

    If you like the flavor of tomatoes in your pasta recipes, check out our sun-dried tomato pasta too!

    Jump to:
    • Why You Will Love This Pasta Sauce
    • About The Ingredients
    • How To Make Creamy Red Pasta Sauce
    • How To Toss Pasta With The Sauce
    • Expert Tips
    • Other Serving Suggestions
    • Storage
    • What Does Heavy Cream Do To Tomato Sauce?
    • Can You Use Milk Instead Of Cream? 
    • FAQs
    • Other Pasta Dishes
    • More Tomato-Based Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    Pasta with creamy tomato sauce garnished with fresh basil in a skillet.

    Why You Will Love This Pasta Sauce

    1. Tasty: The mix of tomatoes and cream creates a delicious, savory flavor.
    2. Versatile: It pairs well with various pasta shapes and types. 
    3. Quick: You can prepare this sauce in just a few minutes.
    4. Crowd-pleaser: People of all ages enjoy the rich and satisfying taste.

    About The Ingredients

    Let's dive into the key ingredients of our creamy tomato sauce, each playing a vital role in creating a delicious and well-balanced dish that will leave you craving more. 

    Tomato paste, tomato puree, garlic, onion, olive oil, heavy cream, grated cheese, fettuccine, fresh basil, paprika, salt and pepper photographed from top view.
    • Onion: Adds a sweet and aromatic base flavor, building a great foundation for the sauce.
    • Garlic: Infuses the sauce with its signature pungent taste and aroma, enhancing the overall flavor.
    • Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that deepens the sauce's richness and color.
    • Canned chopped / diced tomatoes: This is the main ingredient, providing an amazing tomato flavor to the sauce. Make sure to use all the juices in the can. To have a smooth texture, we blend the chopped tomatoes in a blender. You can skip the blending step if you are not after that smoothness. 
    • Fresh basil: Adds a touch of herbal brightness, balancing the flavors and giving the sauce a lovely fragrance. You can use dried basil or dried oregano instead.
    • Paprika: It adds an extra depth of flavor. You can also add crushed chili (red pepper flakes) to make the tomato sauce a little spicy.
    • Heavy cream: Adds a silky, luxurious texture and mellows the acidity of the tomatoes in this pasta sauce. It creates a velvety finish.
    • Optional ingredient: Grated Parmesan cheese. It gives the sauce a salty and nutty flavor. We often make this tomato pasta sauce without any cheese to feel the flavor of tomatoes better. Instead, we grate some parmesan cheese on top of our pasta with tomato cream sauce when serving.

    How To Make Creamy Red Pasta Sauce

    Now that we've introduced the flavorful ingredients, let's walk through the simple steps to create this delectable creamy tomato pasta sauce. 

    A collage with two pictures showing how to cook onions with tomato sauce and how to add heavy cream and fresh basil.
    1. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté the diced onion in olive oil until it becomes translucent and tender. Add the garlic, cooking for about a minute while stirring constantly to prevent burning.
    2. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Mix in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, fresh or dried basil, black pepper, and salt, stirring well to create a smooth and well-combined sauce. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes.
    3. Finish with Cream: Reduce the heat and pour in the cream and continue cooking for another 2 minutes or until the sauce reaches your desired thickness, achieving a rich and velvety consistency.

    Optional Parmesan Addition

    For a delightful parmesan twist, you can add it in one of two ways:

    1. In the tomato cream sauce: Add ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan in the pan along with the cream. Cook them together for 2 minutes and then remove from the heat.
    2. On the pasta: Keep the sauce as it is and simply grate some parmesan cheese on top of the pasta when serving for an extra touch of flavor.

    How To Toss Pasta With The Sauce

    You can use this creamy red pasta sauce with any pasta shape. Our favorites are spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, farfalle and rigatoni. You can even make our best fresh pasta recipe (no machine required) and toss it with this sauce.

    A collage of four pictures showing how to make tomato cream sauce and how to combine the sauce with pasta.
    1. Cook pasta: Cook the pasta of your choice according to package directions. 
    2. Drain pasta: Drain the cooked pasta in a colander, but avoid rinsing it, as this will wash away the starch that helps the sauce adhere to the pasta.
    3. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the pan with the sauce. Alternatively, you can use a large mixing bowl if the pan is not big enough to accommodate the pasta.
    4. Toss: Gently toss the pasta with the sauce using a pair of tongs or a large spoon, ensuring that the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

    And if you want, you can even use this tomato sauce in your favorite lasagna recipe.

    Expert Tips

    1. Use high-quality canned tomatoes or fresh, ripe tomatoes for a rich, vibrant flavor.
    2. For even an easier option, you can combine a store-bought marinara sauce with cream in a skillet and cook until it has a good consistency.
    3. For a vodka sauce variation, add a splash of vodka after sautéing the onions and garlic, allowing it to cook off before adding the tomatoes.
    4. Adjust the sauce's consistency using reserved pasta water if needed.

    Other Serving Suggestions

    This tomato cream sauce is incredibly versatile and not limited to just pasta dishes. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to help you explore its full potential: 

    Tomato sauce pasta with parmesan in a white pasta bowl.
    1. Protein: Pair the sauce with grilled or baked chicken, shrimp, sausage or meatballs for added heartiness and a complete dish.
    2. Vegetables: Mix in sautéed or roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
    3. Garnish: Top with fresh basil, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added color, taste, and a touch of heat.

    Feel free to mix and match these serving suggestions to create a delicious and satisfying meal tailored to your preferences. And make sure to pair it with a bowl of Turkish shepherd salad or fresh green salad like our arugula fig salad. 

    Storage

    To store this creamy red pasta sauce, follow these simple steps:

    1. Cool down: Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before storing, as placing hot sauce in the refrigerator can affect the overall temperature and compromise food safety.
    2. Use an airtight container: Transfer the sauce to an airtight container, like a glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid, to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.
    3. Refrigerate: Place the container in the refrigerator, where the sauce can be stored for up to 4-5 days.

    Please note that we do not recommend storing tomato cream sauce in the freezer, as it contains heavy cream, which can separate and result in an undesirable texture when thawed and reheated.

    When ready to use, gently reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired serving temperature. You may need to add a splash of water or cream to adjust the consistency, as it might thicken slightly during storage.

    What Does Heavy Cream Do To Tomato Sauce?

    It plays an important role in tomato sauce by contributing to its taste, texture, and balance of flavors. 

    1. Enhances texture: It provides a rich, velvety, and smooth consistency to the sauce. 
    2. Balances acidity: The creaminess of heavy cream helps neutralize the acidity of the tomatoes.
    3. Adds depth of flavor: It lends a slight sweetness and richness to the sauce, making it more complex and satisfying.

    Overall, heavy cream transforms a simple tomato sauce into a creamy, luscious, and delectable treat.

    Can You Use Milk Instead Of Cream? 

    If you need to substitute milk for heavy cream in this sauce, follow these steps to achieve a similar consistency and flavor:

    1. Use whole milk: Opt for whole milk, as it has a higher fat content than low-fat or skim milk, resulting in a creamier texture and better resistance to curdling.
    2. Warm the milk: Gently warm the milk in a separate saucepan or microwave before adding it to the sauce. This helps prevent curdling due to the temperature difference.
    3. Lower the heat: Reduce the heat of the tomato sauce to low before adding the milk, as high heat can cause the milk to curdle.
    4. Temper the milk: Gradually whisk a small amount of the hot tomato sauce into the warmed milk to raise its temperature slowly, reducing the risk of curdling when added to the sauce.
    5. Add thickening agent: Since milk is thinner than heavy cream, you may need to thicken the sauce. Prepare a roux by melting 1-2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and whisking in an equal amount of flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then slowly whisk the roux into the sauce. Alternatively, you can mix 1-2 teaspoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry, and then whisk it into the sauce.
    6. Stir constantly: Pour the tempered milk slowly into the tomato sauce, stirring or whisking continuously to ensure even distribution and prevent curdling.
    7. Avoid overheating: Cook the sauce on low heat and avoid bringing it to a boil after adding the milk, as excessive heat can cause curdling.

    FAQs

    What is a thick tomato sauce called?

    A thick tomato sauce is often called "Marinara sauce" or "Tomato passata." Marinara is a flavorful Italian sauce with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs. Passata is a smooth, sieved tomato puree used as a base for various recipes.

    Does heavy cream thicken tomato sauce?

    Yes, it does. As the cream is heated and simmered with the sauce, it reduces and becomes thicker. Additionally, the fat content in heavy cream helps create a rich, velvety texture, contributing to a thicker and creamier tomato sauce.

    Why isn't my tomato sauce thickening? 

    It may need more time to simmer, allowing the liquid to evaporate.  

    What to do if my tomato sauce is too watery? 

    Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered on low to medium heat, giving the excess liquid time to evaporate and the sauce to thicken. If this doesn't work, you might need to add a thickening agent like a roux (mixture of butter and flour) or cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) to help thicken the sauce. 

    Fettuccine recipe with creamy tomato sauce and parmesan in a pan

    Other Pasta Dishes

    • Pasta with Oyster Mushroom Sauce
    • Pasta with Sun Dried Tomato Sauce
    • Parmesan Pasta
    • Turkish Pasta Salad

    More Tomato-Based Recipes

    • Tomato Paste Recipe
    • Sun Dried Tomato Sauce
    • Turkish Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

    As always: If you make this recipe, let us know what you think by rating it and leaving a comment below. And post a pic on Instagram too—tag @give_recipe so we can see!

    Sign up for the FREE GiveRecipe Newsletter to get the new recipes into your inbox! And stay in touch with us on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube and Instagram for all the latest updates.

    📖 Recipe

    Creamy tomato sauce in a skillet and a wooden spoon inside it.
    5 from 3 votes

    Creamy Tomato Sauce For Pasta

    By Zerrin & Yusuf
    Savor the rich and velvety Tomato Cream Sauce, perfect for transforming your pasta dishes into a culinary delight. This homemade sauce combines tomatoes, heavy cream, and fresh basil, resulting in a luxurious and flavorful experience that will make you forget about store-bought sauces.
    Yields: 4 servings
    PRINT PIN
    PREP 5 minutes mins
    COOK 20 minutes mins
    TOTAL 25 minutes mins

    INGREDIENTS
      

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 medium onion diced
    • 4 cloves garlic minced
    • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
    • 400 g tomatoes chopped
    • 4 leaves fresh basil chopped (or ¼ teaspoon dried basil)
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon paprika optional
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ cup heavy cream
    • ¼ cup parmesan optional to be used either in the sauce or when serving the pasta

    INSTRUCTIONS
     

    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Sauté diced onion until translucent. Add in garlic and cook for a minute, stirring constantly.
    • Add in tomato paste, tomato sauce, chopped basil leaves (or dried basil), paprika, black pepper and salt. Stir well until smooth. Let it cook for about 5 minutes. 
    • Reduce the heat and add in the cream. Cook for 2 minutes or until it thickens.

    NOTES

    • For pasta: 8 ounces (225 grams) pasta of your choice, we use fettuccine. Boil a pot of salted water. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Toss the cooked pasta with the tomato sauce and serve immediately.
    • Optional parmesan addition: You can add it in two ways: 1) In the tomato cream sauce: You can add ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan in the pan together with the cream. Cook them together for 2 minutes and remove from the heat. 2) On the pasta: Leave the sauce as it is and grate some parmesan cheese on the pasta when serving.
    • Use high-quality canned tomatoes or fresh, ripe tomatoes for a rich, vibrant flavor.
    • For even an easier option, you can combine a store-bought marinara sauce with cream in a skillet and cook until it has a good consistency.
    • For a vodka sauce variation, add a splash of vodka after sautéing the onions and garlic, allowing it to cook off before adding the tomatoes.
    • Adjust the sauce's consistency using reserved pasta water if needed.

    NUTRITION

    Calories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 5gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 469mgPotassium: 421mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1716IUVitamin C: 19mgCalcium: 122mgIron: 1mg

    Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

    ADDITIONAL INFO

    Course Dinner
    Cuisine Turkish
    Tried this recipe? Leave a comment below!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 3 votes

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Toni Bennett Lorgan says

      January 29, 2024 at 5:39 am

      I made it with Italian sausage out of the casing then added zucchini and mushrooms after meat and onions and garlic were cooked. Doubled the tomatoes and cream and used fresh fettuccine it was wonderful

      Reply
    2. Kiki says

      October 06, 2019 at 10:13 am

      5 stars
      I used a little more tomato paste and let the cream reduce for a little longer. Added in carrots and beans. It was soooo good! Didn’t need the cheese at all. So yummy!

      Reply
      • Zerrin says

        October 06, 2019 at 10:24 pm

        Hi Kiki! Wow! You turned it into a scrumptious new dish! Adding carrots and beans is a brilliant idea!

        Reply
    3. Kiara says

      January 02, 2018 at 11:52 pm

      Can I use 15% cream.

      Reply
    4. kazy says

      January 10, 2017 at 4:49 am

      How many does this serve?

      Reply
      • Zerrin says

        January 10, 2017 at 10:06 am

        4 to 6.

        Reply
    5. Billy says

      July 17, 2015 at 10:41 am

      The fettuccine with creamy tomato sauce was absolutely divine

      Reply
    6. Jackie says

      November 05, 2014 at 10:12 pm

      5 stars
      My family and I love this, and it's a real hit with my kids!

      Reply
    7. Ramona says

      October 23, 2014 at 5:16 pm

      The only thing I need is a fork! Forget the wine, give me a piece of garlic bread and I'd be on happy street.

      Reply
    8. sue/the view from great island says

      October 22, 2014 at 12:58 am

      5 stars
      I love your gutsy photos, they always inspire me and leave me smiling!

      Reply

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    Zerrin & Yusuf

    Meet Zerrin and Yusuf Gunaydin: The couple behind this blog. We bring Turkish food into your kitchen! From kebabs to desserts, everything you crave is here.

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    Zerrin & Yusuf

    Meet Zerrin and Yusuf Gunaydin: The couple behind this blog. We bring Turkish food into your kitchen! From kebabs to desserts, everything you crave is here.

    More about us→

    POPULAR RECIPES

    • Chicken seasoning in a glass jar and a small spoon in it.
      Dry Rub For Chicken - Chicken Seasoning
    • Turkish bean stew in a dark colored bowl and a spoon inside it.
      Kuru Fasulye Recipe (Turkish Beans)
    • Roasted tomato soup topped with feta cheese and basil leaves in a white bowl, grilled cheese sandwich dipped into it and more grilled cheese sandwiches behind it.
      Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup
    • Turkish chicken dish with a tomato sauce served in a bowl and a fork inside it.
      Tavuk Sote - Turkish Chicken Sauté
    • Chicken doner wraps on a wooden board, pickled, French fries, tomato and onion slices on the side.
      Chicken Doner Kebab (Tavuk Döner)
    • Baked chicken wings on a rack.
      Baking Powder Chicken Wings Baked In The Oven

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