Name: Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 30 grams butter (2 tablespoons); ½ onion, finely chopped (about 70 grams); 3 garlic cloves, finely diced; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 70 grams tomato paste (¼ cup); ¾ cup cream; 40 grams parmesan, finely grated; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt to taste; 200 grams dried pasta or 300 grams fresh pasta

There's something magical about the way a rich, velvety sauce clings to every strand of pasta. This Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce Recipe hits that perfect balance of tangy-tomato sweetness and luxurious creaminess that makes it so comforting and irresistible. Trust me, once you try this, it'll become a weeknight staple you’ll reach for again and again.

The image shows a close-up of cooked penne pasta mixed with creamy orange-red sauce. The penne pasta pieces are coated evenly with the smooth sauce that glistens under the light, with small bits of green basil leaves sprinkled across the pasta for a touch of color and freshness. There is also a light topping of grated white cheese scattered over the top. A wooden spoon with slats is partially visible, lifting some pasta, with its natural wood grain texture facing the camera. The background features a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made countless pasta sauces over the years, and what really makes this one special is how creamy and comforting it feels without needing a ton of ingredients or fuss. Plus, it comes together quickly - perfect for busy nights or whenever you want something satisfying.

Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything in your pantry and fridge already, making this hassle-free.
Velvety Texture: The blend of butter, cream, and parmesan creates a silky, luscious sauce that coats every bite.
Little Hands-On Time: While the pasta cooks, you’re gently simmering and whisking, which feels more like therapy than cooking.
Endless Customization: Whether you want it spicy, herbaceous, or loaded with veggies, this sauce is a perfect canvas to make your own.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays its part in building layers of flavor and texture. Olive oil and butter introduce richness and help soften the onions without browning them, while tomato paste gives a deep, concentrated tomato flavor. Cream rounds everything out with a silky mouthfeel, and parmesan adds that umami boost. Lemon juice brightens the sauce so it never feels heavy.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a slab of creamy butter on a white plate, half a fresh yellow onion finely chopped on a white dish, three whole garlic cloves unpeeled, a small white bowl with coarse black pepper, a small white bowl holding rich red tomato paste, a small white bowl filled with thick cream, a small white bowl with freshly squeezed lemon juice, a small white bowl with finely grated pale yellow parmesan cheese, two whole uncracked brown eggs, and a neat bundle of fresh farfalle pasta placed symmetrically on simple white ceramic plates and bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: Adds fruitiness and helps saute the onions gently.
Butter: Provides that luscious, silky mouthfeel and richness.
Onion: Finely chopped for sweetness and aroma—remember to adjust size depending on country to avoid overpowering.
Garlic: Adds that classic aromatic punch without being overpowering when cooked gently.
Black pepper: Just a little gives warmth and depth.
Tomato paste: The concentrated tomato flavor base for the sauce.
Cream: Makes the sauce dreamy and smooth; use good-quality for best results.
Parmesan: Finely grated to melt seamlessly, enhancing umami and cheese notes.
Lemon juice: Balances richness with brightness; add gradually to avoid curdling.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
Pasta: Your choice, cooked al dente to soak up the sauce perfectly.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce Recipe is how versatile it is. Feel free to play around with herbs, spices, or even swap in different cream alternatives to suit your taste or dietary needs. I always encourage you to make it truly yours!

Variation: I once added a pinch of smoked paprika and freshly chopped basil to give it a smoky-herb twist—totally elevated the sauce and impressed my dinner guests.
For a lighter touch: Swap cream for half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a dairy-free version. Just keep an eye on cooking temperature to avoid breaking the sauce.
Make it spicy: Toss in some red chili flakes with the garlic step for a subtle kick that wakes up your palate.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce Recipe

A white bowl filled with creamy orange pasta made with penne noodles, each piece coated smoothly in a thick sauce. On top, there are thin green strips of fresh basil and a light sprinkling of grated white cheese, adding texture and color contrast. The bowl sits on a gray cloth napkin with a fork and knife placed beside it on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a small clear glass cup with fresh green basil leaves. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare Your Pasta Perfectly

Start by bringing a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil for your pasta. The salt is key—it seasons the pasta from the inside out. Time your pasta cooking so you can add it directly into the sauce at the end, soaking up every bit of that creamy goodness. If you need to drain it early, don’t forget to save about a cup of the pasta water; it’s magic for loosening sauces.

Step 2: Gently Sauté Onion and Garlic

In a large frying pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Toss in the finely chopped onions and immediately lower the heat to medium-low to let them soften without browning—about 4 to 5 minutes. This slow-cooking draws out their natural sweetness. Add the garlic and black pepper next and cook for another minute or two. Keep the heat gentle so nothing burns, which can make the sauce bitter.

Step 3: Build the Umami with Tomato Paste

Stir in the tomato paste and whisk well to combine with the onion and garlic mixture. Cook it for a couple of minutes so it deepens in flavor but be careful not to let it brown. This step really develops the rich tomato base that makes the sauce stand out.

Step 4: Add Cream and Lemon Juice Slowly

Lower the heat to low-medium and whisk in the cream gradually so everything combines smoothly into a luxurious sauce. Keep the temperature gentle—just a very light simmer—to avoid the cream curdling. Add the lemon juice quickly next. If you ever worry about curdling, it’s safe to add it at the very end with the pasta instead.

Step 5: Melt in Parmesan Cheese

Grate your parmesan finely and add it in three stages, whisking between each addition so the cheese melts beautifully into the sauce. This is what gives the sauce that irresistible cheesy depth and creaminess.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add your just-cooked pasta straight into the sauce with about ¼ cup of reserved pasta water. Let the pasta simmer gently in the sauce for a minute or two to thicken and meld. If the sauce feels too thick, loosen it with more pasta water a spoonful at a time. Taste and add salt as needed.

Top Tip

This Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce Recipe always delights me because of its ease and taste, but a few small tricks make it truly shine. From temperature control to ingredient timing, these tips will help steady your success.

Gentle Heat Control: Keep the heat low when adding cream and cheese to prevent curdling and ensure smoothness.
Reserve Pasta Water: I learned early on that a splash of starchy pasta water is key to creating that silky sauce texture that clings perfectly.
Gradual Cheese Addition: Adding parmesan in batches and whisking helps it melt evenly without clumps.
Timing Pasta Just Right: Starting the sauce while pasta cooks saves time and ensures you never overcook or drain pasta too soon.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce Recipe

Creamy Tomato Pasta - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle extra parmesan and fresh cracked black pepper on top for that fresh hit. Some torn basil leaves add a lovely herbal brightness that cuts through the creaminess. If you want to be fancy, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving elevates it to restaurant level.

Side Dishes

This sauce pairs beautifully with a crisp iceberg wedge salad dressed simply with olive oil, lemon, and cracked pepper—giving a refreshing crunch alongside the creamy pasta. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices are a must if you want to sop up every last bit.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special night, try plating the pasta as nests and topping with a whole basil leaf and a light sprinkle of chili flakes for color contrast. Or serve it in shallow bowls with a side of colorful roasted veggies for a cozy, inviting meal presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens upon sitting, so before reheating, loosen it with a splash of cream or water to bring back that perfect consistency.

Freezing

This sauce freezes quite well—I portion into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge. Just be mindful that cream-based sauces can sometimes separate slightly after freezing, so whisk vigorously when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of cream, milk, or pasta water to restore the creamy texture. Avoid the microwave if you can — slow reheating is kinder to the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of tomato paste?

Tomato paste is highly concentrated, providing a thick base and intense flavor that canned tomatoes won't match exactly. You could cook down canned tomatoes to reduce their water content, but it will take extra time and won’t be quite the same texture or richness. For this creamy sauce, tomato paste is the best choice for consistency and taste.

What’s the secret to preventing cream from curdling in the sauce?

The key is to keep the heat low and avoid boiling once the cream is added. Adding the lemon juice slowly and whisking it in gently also helps. If you’re worried, add the lemon juice after removing from heat or just before adding the cooked pasta. Gradual temperature control is your friend!

Can I make this sauce vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream or cashew cream in place of the dairy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace the parmesan to add that cheesy flavor. Just keep in mind the texture and flavor will be a bit different but still delicious.

How do I know when the pasta is perfectly cooked for this sauce?

Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente—firm to the bite but cooked through. Timing your sauce preparation to finish just as the pasta does helps you add the pasta straight into the sauce, which lets it absorb flavor and the sauce thicken beautifully. Keeping some pasta water handy helps loosen things up if needed.

Final Thoughts

I’ll be honest, this Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce Recipe feels like a comforting hug on a plate every time I make it. It’s totally approachable but tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did. I love sharing it with friends and seeing how it quickly becomes their go-to. So go ahead and give it a try—you might just find your new favorite pasta sauce!