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 irresistible about the way a rich, velvety sauce hugs every strand of pasta—it’s the simple magic in my Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce Recipe. This sauce strikes the perfect balance between tangy tomato and smooth cream, making it a quick weeknight favorite that always feels a little special.

The image shows a close-up of cooked penne pasta coated in a smooth, creamy orange sauce. The pasta pieces are arranged in layers, with the sauce evenly covering each piece, giving them a shiny and soft texture. Thin, green basil strips are scattered over the pasta, adding a fresh touch of color, along with a light sprinkle of fine white cheese on top. The pasta sits in a pan with a wooden slotted spoon partially visible on the left, resting among the pasta. The background features a white marbled surface. 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 can’t tell you how many times this creamy tomato pasta sauce has saved dinner at my place—quick, comforting, and downright delicious. What’s better? It’s incredibly easy to pull together with just a handful of pantry staples.

Simply Luxurious: Cream and parmesan add that indulgent creaminess without the fuss.
Deep Tomato Flavor: Using tomato paste packs a concentrated punch of robust tomato taste.
Perfectly Balanced: A splash of lemon juice brightens the sauce, cutting through the richness beautifully.
Fast and Flexible: Ready in under 20 minutes, and you can easily adjust it to your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce Recipe brings together a few simple ingredients that sing in harmony. Each one plays a key role—from building flavor foundations to transforming the sauce’s texture and brightness. Here’s the lowdown on what you need and why.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a pat of creamy butter on a white plate, half a fresh yellow onion finely chopped next to it, three whole garlic cloves unpeeled, a small white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant red tomato paste, another small white ceramic bowl containing thick white cream, a small white bowl with finely grated pale yellow parmesan, a small white bowl with freshly squeezed lemon juice, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a scattering of whole black peppercorns, uncooked farfalle pasta arranged neatly on a white plate, all ingredients fresh and natural, arranged symmetrically and balanced, 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 that subtle fruity richness and helps soften the onions beautifully.
Butter: Gives an extra layer of creaminess and helps balance acidity.
Onion: Offers a mild sweetness that mellows the tomato’s natural tang.
Garlic: A classic flavor booster that deepens the sauce’s aroma.
Black Pepper: For a gentle kick that complements rather than competes with the creaminess.
Tomato Paste: The hero of the tomato flavor—densely packed and intensely delicious.
Cream: Creates that luscious silkiness that coats the pasta perfectly.
Parmesan: Adds savory umami and melts right into the sauce for richness.
Lemon Juice: A splash of brightness to lift the flavors and keep the sauce fresh.
Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
Pasta: Whether dried or fresh, it’s the perfect vessel for soaking up all that sauce.

📝

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 the joys of this creamy tomato pasta sauce recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often swap the cream for a dairy-free version or stir in fresh herbs at the end, making it perfect for whatever mood I’m in or what’s in my fridge.

Variation: I love adding a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat—totally transforms the sauce with minimal effort.
Herb Boost: Fresh basil or parsley stirred in right before serving brightens it up and adds freshness.
Dairy-Free Option: Using coconut or oat cream works well—just be sure to adjust the lemon juice carefully as some plant creams can react differently.
Chunky Version: Sometimes I toss in diced roasted tomatoes for extra texture and freshness.

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

A white bowl filled with creamy penne pasta coated in a smooth orange sauce, topped with small shreds of white cheese and thin green basil strips scattered on top. The bowl sits on a light gray cloth napkin, placed on a white marbled surface. To the right of the bowl is a small clear glass cup holding three bright green basil leaves. A metal knife and fork are positioned at the bottom left corner on the cloth. The image shows a close view from above, highlighting the textures and colors of the pasta and garnishes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Get your pasta water boiling and start cooking

Make sure your pot of water is heavily salted before it boils—this is the secret to perfectly seasoned pasta. Cook your pasta so it’s just shy of al dente, especially if you like tossing it straight into the sauce. If you need to drain early, always save a cup of that starchy pasta water for later; it’s like liquid gold for loosening sauces.

Step 2: Sauté onions and garlic to build flavor

Heat olive oil and butter together in a wide pan over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onions and listen to that sizzle—then immediately turn the heat down to medium-low. Keep the onions soft and sweat them gently for about 4–5 minutes so they develop sweetness without browning. Add the garlic and pepper, cooking them for another 1–2 minutes and taking care not to scorch the garlic—it should smell impossibly fragrant but stay pale.

Step 3: Stir in tomato paste and cream for luscious sauce

Whisk the tomato paste into the onion and garlic mix, letting it cook for a couple of minutes to bring out a deep, rich flavor. Then pour in the cream slowly while whisking constantly—keep that heat gentle to avoid scalding. The sauce should just barely simmer, becoming silky and smooth.

Step 4: Brighten with lemon and melt in parmesan

Add lemon juice with a quick whisk for brightness—if you worry about curdling, you can hold off adding the lemon until after the pasta joins the sauce. Then fold in finely grated parmesan in thirds, whisking well between additions so it melts fully and the sauce thickens beautifully.

Step 5: Combine pasta with sauce, adjust, and serve

Add your pasta right into the pan with a splash of reserved pasta water. Let it bubble gently together for a minute or two, stirring to coat each strand and thicken the sauce. If it looks too thick, add more pasta water to loosen. Always taste for salt and adjust seasoning as needed before plating. I like to top mine with extra parmesan, black pepper, and a handful of fresh basil leaves—it’s all about those finishing touches!

Top Tip

After trying this sauce a bunch of times, I’ve found a few tricks that really make a difference and save me from common pitfalls—especially when it comes to smoothness and balanced flavor.

Save Pasta Water: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. That starchy water loosens the sauce without watering down the flavor.
Low and Slow for Cream: Keep the heat gentle once you add cream—too high and it can curdle, which nobody wants.
Add Parmesan in Batches: Multiples additions let it melt evenly and help thicken the sauce gradually.
Lemon Juice Last: If you're worried about curdling, stir lemon juice in at the end with the pasta—it still brightens without risk.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce Recipe

Creamy Tomato Sauce - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always add a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and cracked black pepper at serving—it adds texture and an extra flavor boost. Fresh basil leaves are my go-to green garnish; they bring a lovely color pop and fresh aroma that pairs perfectly with creamy tomato.

Side Dishes

This sauce pairs beautifully with a crisp iceberg wedge salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon juice, or alongside roasted vegetables for a heartier meal. Garlic bread is a no-brainer too if you want to soak up every last drip of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate this sauce over homemade ravioli or shape it into little nests with fresh fettuccine, topping each with a basil flower or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. It feels fancy but remains comforting and approachable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover creamy tomato pasta sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat, I add a splash of cream or pasta water to revive that silky texture which tends to thicken in the fridge.

Freezing

This sauce freezes surprisingly well. I portion it out before freezing and defrost overnight in the fridge. When thawed, a gentle reheat with a bit of cream or water helps restore its luscious consistency.

Reheating

Reheat over low heat in a saucepan, stirring often. Adding a touch of cream or reserved pasta water keeps it from drying out or becoming grainy. Avoid microwaving directly if possible; stir occasionally for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of tomato paste in this recipe?

While canned tomatoes can be used, tomato paste delivers a more concentrated and rich tomato flavor that's key to this creamy tomato pasta sauce recipe's depth. If using canned tomatoes, you might want to cook them down longer to thicken the sauce and intensify flavor.

What type of cream works best for this sauce?

Heavy cream or double cream works best for a rich and silky texture. If you prefer a lighter option, half-and-half can be used but the sauce will be less thick. For dairy-free alternatives, coconut or oat cream can work, though the flavor will be slightly different.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling when adding lemon juice?

To prevent curdling, add lemon juice at the end after the sauce is off heat or stir it in with the finished pasta. Also, keep the sauce at a very gentle simmer—high heat can cause the cream to separate. Whisking continuously while adding lemon juice helps it incorporate smoothly.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the creamy tomato pasta sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When reheating, add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to loosen it up. This sauce also freezes well for longer storage, just thaw and reheat gently.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce Recipe has become one of my kitchen go-to’s—not just because it’s comforting and delicious, but because it feels like a big hug in a bowl after a busy day. Once you’ve mastered the balance of flavors and textures here, you’ll find yourself wanting to make it again and again. Give it a try and treat yourself to that perfect creamy, tomatoey moment—you deserve it!